Scammers target international students by threatening their visa status - Help Net Security

A 2025 study found that international students in the U.S. became frequent scam targets after widespread visa revocations. Scammers impersonated officials, police, or university staff through emails, texts, and calls, using fake job offers, financial requests, and fraudulent visa/tax messages to steal money or personal data.

Many students interacted with these scams, resulting in compromised accounts and financial losses. Distinguishing legitimate communications from fraud proved difficult, especially when scammers contacted them during vulnerable moments. While students typically blocked suspicious senders, reporting to federal agencies was rare due to fear of visa complications, uncertainty about procedures, and doubts about effectiveness.

Universities are urged to establish unified campus scam responses including: dedicated online resources, real-time IT support, accessible reporting systems, anonymous sharing platforms, and regular awareness training to better protect international students.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​