International students & scholars are often targeted by anonymous individuals alleging to be police officers or individuals working for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in an attempt to extort money from them.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF:

U.S. government officials will NOT contact you asking for money or personal information such as a Social Security Number, bank account, credit card information, passport number, or I-94 card number. If a caller asks for these things, stay calm and do not give out any personal information. Here are some steps you should take if you receive a suspicious phone call from someone claiming to be from a government agency:

  1. Calmly ask what the call is about. Take specific notes about what the caller is saying and requesting.
  2. Politely request the agent’s information. Write down the agent’s full name, agency, and any identification number he or she can provide. Also request his or her direct phone number so you can call back.
  3. Immediately contact an international student or scholar advisor with the information you have recorded.

From: http://sites.utexas.edu/isss/2014/11/stay-informed-scams-affecting-international-students-scholars-2/