Janice Lozano
International students are often targeted by scammers due to their unfamiliarity with local systems and processes. Scams aimed at international students include scholarship scams, student loan scams, job scams, and student visa scams. These scams use deceptive tactics to gain access to personal information or money. To avoid becoming a victim of fraud, it is important to be cautious and informed. While there are scams targeting international students, there are also legitimate resources available to support them, such as the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which provides discounts and access to a global student community.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who issues the card | ISIC Association, a non-profit organisation |
| Who is eligible for the card | Full-time students, full-time teachers or professors, and individuals 30 years old or younger |
| Benefits | Thousands of discounts worldwide, access to the global student community |
| Scams targeting international students | Scholarship scams, student loan scams, job scams, student visa scams, credit card scams, banking scams, etc. |
| How to avoid scams | Do not disclose personal information, monitor financial statements, use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
What is the ISIC card?
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a non-profit organisation that provides internationally recognised proof of student status and offers access to various benefits and
The ISIC card was first created by students in 1953 and is now available in over 100 countries, with no upper age limit for obtaining one. The validity of an ISIC card is 16 months, aligning with the academic year of the country where it is purchased. Students in higher, tertiary, or full-time secondary education with a minimum age of 12 years are eligible for the ISIC card. Many schools issue ISIC cards on campus, and students can also order them online and receive virtual cards with the option to request a physical card by mail.
The ISIC Association aims to support students globally by making their student lives easier, more affordable, and enjoyable. The ISIC card provides thousands of discounts worldwide and access to the global student community. Students can download the ISIC mobile app to access their digital student cards, explore and redeem various offers and services available worldwide, and discover discounts around them on a map.
In addition to the ISIC card, the ISIC Association also issues the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) for non-students aged 30 or younger and the International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC) for teachers and professors, both offering similar benefits and discounts.
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Common scams targeting international students
International students are frequently targeted by scams due to their unfamiliarity with the local banking system and the local landscape of government and educational institutions. Scams are unlawful deceptive attempts or criminal tricks to accomplish fraudulent, illegal acts that threaten the safety and well-being of the target. Here are some common scams targeting international students and how to avoid them:
Immigration Scams
Scammers may contact you by phone, email, or even in person, claiming to be from immigration authorities, an education agency, or another legitimate organization. They will say there is a problem with your visa or other immigration documents and demand immediate payment of a fine or fee to restore your legal status and avoid deportation. The government or immigration authorities will never contact you by phone demanding money, and legitimate organizations will never ask for payment in the form of gift cards, iTunes vouchers, cryptocurrency, or money transfer services. Do not provide any personal information and report the incident as soon as possible to your international student advisor, who can then report the call to the police.
Rental Scams
Finding accommodation as an international student is a primary concern, and scammers may try to exploit this by posting fraudulent property advertisements online. When a student expresses interest, they will be asked to send a holding deposit or bank statement and will be prevented from viewing the property with excuses. Once the scammer receives the money, they will disappear or send fake keys and paperwork. Be cautious of such advertisements and remember that legitimate landlords will not ask for money without showing you the property.
Credit Card Scams
Scammers may try to obtain your credit card information through skimming devices at ATMs or fake websites. They can then make unauthorized charges or purchases. Monitor your credit card statements regularly for any unfamiliar activity and report it immediately to your card issuer. Be cautious of fake scholarships that require an "application fee" or your bank details, as legitimate scholarships will never ask for an upfront fee.
Job Scams
Scammers may offer you a great job opportunity or sponsored position with the promise of future job sponsorship. They may request unnecessary personal information related to the job opportunity, such as age, gender, birth date, or home address, which legitimate companies will not ask for. Do not provide any personal information over the phone, and if contacted unexpectedly by someone claiming to do business with you, verify their contact information and contact them directly.
Student Loan Scams
Phishing emails designed to appear to be from official student loan companies may be sent to trick students into giving up their account information. Never respond to such emails and never share your bank details with anyone you don't know. Only use secure, private Wi-Fi networks for banking services.
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How to protect yourself from scams
International students are often targeted by scammers due to their unfamiliarity with the local banking system and vulnerability to deceptive tactics. Scams targeting international students aim to gain access to personal information or money through various deceptive means. Here are some ways to protect yourself from such scams:
Be Cautious and Informed
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of offers that require you to pay a fee or provide personal information. Legitimate scholarships, grants, and employers will not ask for upfront fees or personal information without a secure means of providing it. Always research the organization and consult reliable sources or official resources before proceeding.
Secure Your Banking
Use strong, unique passwords for all your banking accounts and enable two-factor authentication for added security. Only access banking services on secure, private Wi-Fi networks, and never share personal or financial details unless the recipient is verified. Monitor your bank and credit card statements regularly for any unauthorized transactions, and set up fraud alerts to be notified of suspicious activity.
Avoid Suspicious Communication
Do not answer phone calls from unknown numbers, and be wary of suspicious emails or messages. Scammers may use phishing tactics to trick you into providing sensitive information. If you find yourself on the phone with someone asking for personal details, do not provide them. Instead, try to collect information from them and report it to the relevant authorities, such as the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Understand Your Rights
Know that in most countries, including the United States, you have rights even as a non-citizen. For example, in the US, you are not required to answer the door or provide information to someone claiming to be a government official unless they have a signed warrant. Schools can also play a vital role in educating students about scams, red flags, and preventative measures.
Choose Secure Financial Services
Opt for financial institutions that offer robust security features and fraud protection. For instance, Zolve provides a no-deposit credit card specifically for international students, with advanced fraud protection features and 24/7 customer support to help you stay safe from scams.
Remember, being cautious and informed is the best way to protect yourself from scams. Report any suspicious activity and seek guidance from your university's international student office or local authorities if needed.
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Credit card scams
Phishing and Smishing Scams
Phishing typically occurs over email or telephone, where scammers impersonate a legitimate company or organization and ask for your personal or financial information. Smishing, on the other hand, uses text messages to lure you into a credit card trap. These messages may appear to be from a legitimate business or related to a recent purchase.
Public Wi-Fi Scams
In this scam, thieves create false Wi-Fi signals or unsecured networks to lure victims into connecting. Once connected, they can monitor your internet activity and record your credit card details without your knowledge. They may then use your information to make fraudulent purchases or open new accounts in your name. Always use a VPN and antivirus software when on a public Wi-Fi network, and never submit your credit card information to access unsecured Wi-Fi.
Skimming and Shimming Scams
Credit card skimming happens when fraudsters use various devices to steal your card information during transactions at retail points of sale or ATMs. Shimming occurs when thieves target the microchip of your card to steal your data. These scams often involve the use of card skimmers or skimming devices attached to fuel pumps or inserted into ATM card readers.
Interest Rate Reduction Scams
In this scam, fraudsters pose as representatives from lenders or credit card issuers and offer to reduce your credit card interest rate for a fee. They may use fake websites and cold calls to solicit your credit card information. Remember, legitimate companies will not ask for your credit card information over the phone or email, and any offer that seems too good to be true probably is.
To protect yourself from credit card scams, follow these best practices:
- Use strong and unique passwords for your banking accounts and enable two-factor authentication.
- Never share personal or financial information unless you can verify the recipient.
- Use secure, private Wi-Fi networks for banking activities.
- Regularly monitor your credit card statements for any unauthorized charges and report them immediately.
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Student Visa scams
International students are often targeted by scammers due to their unfamiliarity with local systems and procedures. Scammers use various tactics, such as fake calls, emails, letters, and websites, to trick students into giving away personal information or money. Here are some common Student Visa scams and tips to avoid them:
Fake Accommodation Listings
Scammers create attractive listings for non-existent or someone else's accommodation on websites or social media platforms. They target students looking for off-campus housing, luring them with appealing images and messages about subleasing opportunities. Students are advised to only consider certified and authorized accommodation options suggested by their university to avoid such scams.
Visa-Related Scams
Scammers impersonate officials from the Department of Immigration, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and contact international students, claiming issues with their visas. They may threaten deportation or demand immediate payment for alleged immigration violations. Remember, government officials will never ask for sensitive information like passport or social security numbers over the phone or email. Always verify the identity of the person contacting you and speak to your university's international student office for guidance.
Fake Scholarships and Grants
Scammers target students seeking financial aid by offering fake scholarships or grants that require an "application fee" or bank details. Legitimate scholarships never ask for upfront fees. Always research the organization and consult with your university's financial aid office before applying for any scholarships.
Phishing and Identity Theft
Scammers use phishing emails, fake websites, or phone calls to obtain your personal and financial information, such as bank account or credit card details. They may also pose as government agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), to request wire transfers for unpaid taxes. Be cautious when sharing personal information, and regularly monitor your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.
Cyber Kidnapping
In extreme cases, scammers may target international students or their families with cyber kidnapping scams. They may use fear tactics, photos, and voice recordings to extort money, threatening the safety of the student or their family members. Always report such incidents to your international student advisor and the authorities, and consider creating a safe word or key phrase with your family for emergency situations.
Being aware of these scams and knowing how to respond can help international students protect themselves and their personal information. It is important to report any suspected scams to the relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the university's international student office.
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Frequently asked questions
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a card issued by the ISIC Association, a non-profit organisation. The card provides students with thousands of discounts worldwide and access to the global student community. The card was first created by students in 1953 and is now issued in over 100 countries.
The ISIC card is an internationally recognised ID card that facilitates the international acknowledgment of students' official status. Students can access discounts by presenting their ISIC card at participating locations or by using the ISIC mobile app to redeem offers instantly.
The ISIC card is not a scam. The card has been endorsed by UNESCO since 1968 and is also endorsed by national governments, ministries of education and tourism, student organisations, and universities worldwide. However, it is important to be cautious of other scams targeting international students, which often involve deceptive tactics to gain access to personal information or money.
