The Information Technology Services (ITS) team at Syracuse University has issued a warning about a scam targeting international students. Scammers are posing as government agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, claiming there are visa or immigration issues that require urgent payments to be made using gift cards. Victims are pressured to stay silent and comply with the scammers’ demands.
ITS has advised students to be cautious and provided the following tips to avoid falling for these scams:
– Government agencies and legitimate businesses will never ask for payment using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
– If you receive a suspicious email or phone call, do not respond and report it immediately to the ITS Helpdesk for assistance.
– Verify any requests by contacting the agency directly using official contact information.
International students are urged to stay alert and be cautious when receiving communication claiming to be from government agencies, especially if they request payment through unconventional methods. The safety and security of students’ personal information and finances are of utmost importance, and ITS is committed to helping students avoid falling victim to such scams.
For more information or assistance, students can contact the ITS Helpdesk at 315.443.2677.
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