We write to inform you of a concerning trend that has come to our attention regarding scams targeting our university community, particularly our international students and scholars. The UC San Diego Police Department, in collaboration with Global Initiatives and the International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO), has noted a rise in fraudulent activities aimed at exploiting our students' and scholars' trust and financial security.
One prevalent scam involves individuals posing as U.S. or foreign government officials and using intimidation tactics to coerce students and scholars into providing personal information or making payments under false pretenses. It is crucial that you remain vigilant and take appropriate action if you encounter such deceptive practices.
What to do if You are Targeted
If you receive a threatening call or message from someone claiming to be a government or law enforcement official, you should:
- Always safeguard your personal, password, and financial information.
- Attempt to gather contact details from the caller for verification purposes.
- Terminate the conversation immediately if you feel threatened or pressured.
Common Scams to be Aware Of:
- False claims of criminal warrants or arrests if you do not send money or provide confidential personal and banking information.
- "Sextortion" schemes through social media platforms.
- Fraudulent tuition requests.
- False or forged leases for off-campus housing.
Tips to Recognize and Avoid Scams:
- Remember that legitimate government agencies or law enforcement will never demand payment via unconventional methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency to avoid legal issues.
- Refrain from disclosing sensitive information over the phone to unknown individuals.
- If faced with a suspicious call demanding payment, disconnect and contact local law enforcement or submit an online Campus Police report.
- Stay cautious of "spoofed" phone numbers used by scammers and verify the caller's identity independently.
- International students should verify immigration-related inquiries by reaching out to the International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO).
- Explore personal safety resources available at iSafety.ucsd.edu for additional support.
Reporting Scams
Should you have any concerns or become aware of potential scam activity, please don't hesitate to contact the UC San Diego Police Department at 858-534-4357.
Your safety and security are of utmost importance to us. By staying informed and vigilant, we can collectively combat these fraudulent activities and protect our Triton community.
