Scam Alert for Penn International Students & Scholars
We want to ensure that all international Quakers are aware of a recent increase in scam calls. These scammers may contact you pretending to be University representatives or government officials. In many cases, they use spoofed phone numbers to make the call appear legitimate.
What You May Experience
Scammers may:
- Claim you are involved in an immigration or documentation issue
- Use high-pressure tactics or threats related to your visa status
- Possess basic personal information about you gathered from public sources
- Demand immediate payment to “resolve” the issue
Important Reminders
Legitimate agencies will never:
- Call you to threaten deportation or visa/status cancellation
- Demand money over the phone
- Request payment via gift cards, PayPal, Venmo, CashApp, Western Union, MoneyGram, or similar services
Any request like this is a scam.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call
- Do not engage with the caller
- Do not provide personal information
- Hang up immediately
- If you feel unsure or believe the call might be a scam, contact Public Safety at 215-573-3333 for guidance.
If You Have Already Shared Information or Money
If you think you may have provided personal details or payment to a scammer, please contact Public Safety at 215-573-3333. They will assist you in filing a report and taking the appropriate next steps.
Stay Informed and Supported
For additional information about avoiding scams and understanding legitimate immigration processes, please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
For immigration-related questions or support, you may contact Penn’s International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS).
Your safety and well-being remain our priority. Thank you for helping us keep our community informed.