Scam Awareness

A scam is a fraudulent or deceptive act or operation. Brandeis international students may be targeted and become victims of various types of scams. It is important to learn how to identify a scam, avoid becoming a victim, and report the scam to Campus Police and the ISSO. We can alert our international students and scholars when you report a scam.

Common Types of Scams


What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

  • Protect your important documents, personal information, account information, and social media. Scammers may be based in your home country and speak your native language. Be sure to protect your non-U.S. account information as well.
  • Store your Social Security card in a secure location; avoid carrying it with you.
  • Report anything suspicious.  Visit Brandeis Campus Police and the ISSO for assistance. 
  • If you are receiving unwanted calls from legitimate businesses, consider listing your number with the Federal Do Not Call Registry
  • If you find yourself to be the victim of a shopping scam, consider reporting this to the Federal Trade Commission and contact your local police office's non-emergency line to determine if you need to make a report. You can also dispute any charges made with your credit card or bank provider.
  • Bring any suspected fraudulent document to the Campus Police or the ISSO if you are not sure about it.
  • Review your privacy and security settings on social media. 
  • Be careful when sending personal pictures or videos that can potentially be used against you in the future.
  • Do not pick up a call from an unknown caller. If it is important, the caller will leave a message.
  • The U.S. government will never demand immediate payment. 
  • You will not be arrested or deported if you don't pay a bill immediately.
  • Avoid opening emails from unknown sources or clicking on suspicious hyperlinks.
  • Equip your computing devices with strong anti-virus software and maintain strong passwords.
  • Regularly check your credit reports for suspicious activity.

Helpful Resources

Federal Trade Commission pamphlets in several languages.

Federal Trade Commission's listing of common scams

USCIS Common Scams

Federal Do Not Call Registry