Be Careful of Increase in Scams! Message from Director of ISSS
Recently, students and scholars at VU have fallen victim to scams and transferred large sums of money to scammers. I know we send these reminders regularly, but none of us think that we would do something like this until it happens. Scammers are very manipulative and convincing, and they often use information they have found about you to threaten you. Scamming is a large and profitable global industry. Please remind your friends and classmates!
Keep in mind some basics:
- If anyone asks you for your SSN, a passport copy, or any amount of money over the phone and threatens to take any action if you do not, it is a scam!
- Scams often begin with a phone call from someone claiming to be from a legitimate agency or organization, such as a bank, the IRS, your home government, or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
- No bank, government agency, or other legitimate organization will ask for this information over the phone, unless you initiated the call.
- If you are ever unsure about the legitimacy of the call or threat, you can contact VUPD or ISSS at any time to confirm.
Major Thomas with the VU police department has offered that you call him directly and he will confirm if it is a scam. If you are ever in doubt, call him: 615-456-8817.
Remember, 99.9% of the time, it is a scam. Once you have transferred money to scammers, you will not get it back.
Do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions. Thanks, and stay safe.