The International Affairs issued a warning for international students as their investigations show that scammers specifically target international students in the US. These nefarious individuals use the government numbers of Student Exchange Visitor Program Response Center (703-603-3400) and Homeland Security Investigations (757-441-6533) to ask for immigration information, which includes Alien Registration Number (Form I-94) or Arrival/Departure Record. Otherwise, they are threatened with deportation.
As stated, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program will never ask for personal and confidential information from students. Students should never give out credit card numbers and other financial information. If they do receive threats or intimidation, it is best to hang up right away.
The alert was initially sent to the officials of Ohio State University on June 7, 2021.
All victims must report any of these activities to the Homeland Security Investigations online tip line or Office of International Affairs through email or phone at 614-292-6101. Students can also call the Ohio State Police at 614-292-2121 or Columbus Police at 614-645-4545.
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