For the second time this year, the FBI is warning Penn State students about a phone scam that fraudulently displays, or ‘spoofs,’ the FBI’s real telephone number on the victim’s caller ID.
A release from the FBI’s Philadelphia office said that international students in particular recently have been targeted. The caller will claim that there are problems with the student’s financial aid or visa and threaten deportation if a payment is not made.
Similar spoofing scams have used Department of Homeland Security, IRS and police phone numbers to demand money on threat of legal action.
The FBI stressed that it does not call or email anyone to demand money or threaten arrest, and police and other agencies have said the same.
Reports have been to FBI offices across the country of someone claiming to be with the FBI and demanding immediate payment for things such as school loans or back taxes. The caller often knows the name and background of the intended victim.
The bureau advises that individuals should be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls and to never give money or personal information to someone with whom you do not have ties and did not initiate contact.
Victims of phone or online scams can file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.IC3.gov.
Recently in Centre County, another phone scam spoofed the county Sheriff’s Office phone number, with the caller telling the intended victim there was a warrant for his or her arrest and demanding payment over the phone. These calls mostly targeted Penn State students and staff.
