Scammers target international students and scholars because cultural and language barriers often make it difficult for international students and scholars to determine whether an offer for help or request for money is real or fake. The most common scams encountered are those involving immigration, tuition, taxes, employment, travel and housing. Most recently, scammers are also taking advantage of the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus to steal money or sensitive information.

Learn more and protect yourself from scammers:

• Scenarios on specific types of scams targeting international students
  
• Common cyber scams to avoid
• Hoax text message campaigns and scam robocalls around COVID-19
• Scams with individuals posing as representatives from the World Health Organization

If you think you are being scammed:

• Do not give the person any personal or financial information
• Try to collect contact information from the caller
• End the conversation immediately if threats and intimidation persist
• Contact law enforcement by calling the Ohio State University Police Division at 614-292-2121 or Columbus
• Police at 614-645-4545
• Contact Ohio State’s Office of International Affairs at iss@osu.edu or 614-292-6101