Tips to Avoid Common Scams and Fraud Schemes

in Uncategorized
July 3rd, 2019

See the BU Today story about rental scams targeting international students and some helpful reminders from BUPD.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security routinely issues alerts to encourage international students to take precautions against fraudulent schemes or scams. See the ISSO web page on Avoiding and Reporting Common Scams and Fraud Schemes for helpful links and information about how to avoid common scams.

You will receive occasional messages from the BU Police as they remind the Boston University community about ongoing phone fraud schemes. Four incidents have been reported since October 12, 2018. All appear to involve similar themes and are targeting our Asian student population. These incidents appear to be part of a much larger scheme, which has been perpetrated over the last several months in cities such as New York, Boston, San Francisco, Houston, Los Angeles, as well as in Canada and Australia.

Please view this linked short video message to help avoid being a victim of this scam here.

BUPD has also translated this information into Mandarin here.

If you receive such a call similar to this scam, hang up. Do not transfer money to the scammers.

If you have been the victim of a call, including giving money, notify BU Police Department at 617-353-2121.

As always, feel free to contact your ISSO advisor should you have questions.