Immigration Scams
The international student receives a phone call from someone claiming to be from a U.S. government agency, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or Homeland Security. The person knows specific information about the student like their date of birth. The person says that the student owes a large fine and requests immediate payment by credit card, electronic transfer, or demands the student purchase gift cards for the person. When the student asks questions or waivers on providing payment information, the person becomes aggressive and threatens the student with deportation.
Employment Scams
A student receives an email from what appears to be a legitimate business offering the student employment. As part of the "job" duties, the student is sent a check from the company. The employer asks student to deposit the check in student's bank account. Employer instructs students to keep some of the money for student's pay and then distribute the remainder as instructed the employer. Sometimes, the employer will demand that the student purchase gift cards and send them to the employer. The student finds out from their bank that the check or money order sent by the employer was fraudulent. The student now has an overdrawn bank account, and owes the bank fees and the funds deposited.
Tuition Scams
The typical scam is student is approached by someone who promises to discount the student's tuition if student pays through them. The person will use the student's Ohio State username and password to access the student's Buckeyelink account. The person pays the student's tuition with a credit card and the tuition appears paid in full on the student's account. After receiving confirmation of payment, the student wires the person the tuition minus the discount promised. However, the student later finds out that the credit card was stolen and that Ohio State rejects the payment. The student now owes the entire tuition amount to Ohio State in order to remain enrolled, and no longer has the money the student wired to the scammer.
Travel Scams
A travel "broker" promises to book the student's international flights for low costs. The broker requires the student to pay up front in order to secure the tickets. The student gives the broker the money but the broker never provides the promised tickets.
Package and Mail Scams
Student receives a phone call from someone claiming to work for a delivery service. The caller informs student that student's passport information was stolen and used to mail a package containing illegal items. The caller tells student that student must call a number provided to speak to "police". The student calls "police" number and is told that student's personal information and/or banking information is connected to a corruption case. The "police" officer tells student in order to clear student's name student must transfer money to police or student will be arrested.