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Common Scams

How you can tell it's a scam

Scams are dishonest, illegal schemes to make money. There are several ways that people try and defraud, like a phone call from a stranger posing as a government official or law enforcement, a potential employer or landlord asking for personal and financial information before ever meeting you, or emails from unknown addresses requesting information urgently.

Below are descriptions of some of some common scams students and scholars encounter, but please be aware that there are other schemes. Sometimes, international students or scholars receive job or internship offers for positions they didn't apply. Sometimes, an out-of-character email comes from a source you think you know or trust. 

It is important that you learn how to recognize the signs and protect yourself.