Immigration Scams

International students are often targeted by scammers who will threaten deportation or arrest. Please be aware of scams that are occurring throughout the year and take appropriate action to protect yourself.

If you are contacted by someone claiming that you will be arrested or deported unless you give them money or personal information such as your birth date, Social Security Number (SSN), bank account number, credit card number, etc. you have most likely been targeted by a scammer. A U.S. government agency, such as the IRS, Social Security Administration, DHS, ICE, USCIS, etc., would NEVER contact you in this way.

• Protect Your Personal Data

  Use caution when sharing secure information with other individuals. Information such as social security number, tax forms and direct deposit information should only be shared with reputable tax preparers. This information should be sent using a secure form of transmission, which typically does not include email communication.

• Additional Resources:

  • USCIS Avoid Scams
  • Study in the States - Tips to Avoid Scams
  • FBI Common Scams
  • ISU Information on Keeping Your Data Safe
  • Identity Theft and your Social Security Number

• What You Should Do:

  1. Be aware of possible immigration scams:
     • USCIS Common Scams page
     • OIG Scam Awareness
     • Social Security Fraud Prevention and Reporting and What should I do if I get a call claiming there is a problem with my Social Security number?
  2. If you receive a suspicious or threatening phone call, DO NOT give out your personal information . If possible, try to collect information about the caller, and then hang up. If you receive a suspicious or threatening email message, do not respond to the email.
  3. DO NOT wire money or purchase gift cards.
  4. DO NOT listen to the scammer if they say you cannot tell anyone else about this.
  5. Always report a possible scam. If you receive an immigration-related scam through email, social media or phone, REPORT IT!

• How to Report a Scam:

  • For all scams, Open a ticket with ISSS using International Student Help Ticket (include details about the scam and what you did to report it).
  • For immigration-related scams:
  • See the USCIS Report Immigration Scams website which includes both federal and state-specific information
  • Call the University Police at 309-438-8631
  • Notify the Federal Trade Commission through their online Complaint Assistant
  • Call the Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE or submit an online HSI Tip Form
  • For Social Security-related scams, submit an online SSA Scam Report.
  • For IRS/tax-related scams, visit the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration hotline.
  • If you are unsure where to report a scam, visit this Where to Report a Scam tool.