Unfortunately, scams targeting international students are on the rise. Please make sure that you are aware of this issue and help educate others.
Scammers may contact you claiming to be an immigration or tax official. Federal agencies such as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Social Security Administration, or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The government agencies will contact you by U.S. mail and NOT by phone or email; they will:
- NEVER ask for your personal information.
- NEVER ask for payment via wire transfers, prepaid debit card, or gift cards.
- NEVER threaten with arrest or deportation.
IRS, TAX & STIMULUS CHECKS RELATED SCAMS
- IRS issues warning about Coronavirus-related scams; watch out for schemes tied to economic impact payments
- Attorney General Herring Urges Virginias to be Way of Scams Related to $600 Relief Payments
If you want to know who is eligible to receive the second stimulus payment, what to do if you have mistakenly received the payment, or if you have any other questions related to the Second Stimulus Payment, please visit the following helpful blog: Sprintax Blog Post on the Second Stimulus Payment
USCIS AND IMMIGRATION RELATED SCAMS
AVOID SCAMS webpage, including information on common immigration scams.
COVID-19 VACCINATION RELATED SCAMS
Sensitive personal information is not required for vaccine. Your immigration status will not affect your eligibility for vaccine. All vaccines information will be coming for a government website. Please visit Virginia Department of Health for Vaccine Information HERE.
- Health and Human Services Scam Alert
- U.S Department of Treasure Scam Alert
- Attorney General Herring Urges Virginias to be Wary of COVID Vaccine Related Scams
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER RELATED SCAMS
Never give out your social security number or any personal information over the phone.
If you believe you have been targeted by a scan or you are unsure, please email our office.