STUDY ABROAD SCAMS | Complete Guide on Avoiding Scams

What are the Study Abroad Scams?

International students are often seen as easy targets by scammers because they are new to the country, unfamiliar with local systems, and eager to settle into their new lives.

Scammers exploit this vulnerability in various ways, including (but not limited to) the following:

1. Fake Universities and Programs

Fraudsters create institutions that look legitimate online, with websites, social media, and everything else, but they lack proper accreditation.

International students may invest significant money and time into these programs only to receive a piece of paper that is a worthless degree.

2. Visa and Immigration Scams

Some scammers pretend to be immigration officials, claiming issues with your visa. What is the first signal of scamming in this regard?

They demand immediate payment to “resolve” the problem, threatening deportation if you don’t comply. Always AVOID paying these immediate payments.

3. Housing Study Abroad Scams

Housing is a significant concern for students abroad, making it a prime target for scammers in all countries.

Fraudulent landlords post fake rental listings online, ask for deposits, and disappear once they receive the money!

4. Scholarship and Financial Aid Fraud

Scammers pose as scholarship providers, offering large sums to attract students seeking financial aid to pursue their studies abroad.

They usually charge an upfront fee for processing or application, only to vanish with the money.

5. Virtual Kidnapping and Money Mule Schemes

In extreme cases, students are tricked into recording fake hostage videos or transferring stolen funds through their bank accounts.

How to Be Ready for Protecting Yourself from Scams?

In 2019, Australia reported over 900 scams targeting Chinese students alone, leading to more than $1.5 million in losses.

The numbers are similar in other countries, highlighting the global nature of this issue. While these study abroad scams are daunting, you can significantly reduce your risk by staying informed.

One of the best ways to avoid scams is to research everything about your study abroad plans, from verifying university credentials to understanding housing options.

For example, you can check if an institution is accredited in Canada through the Designated Learning Institutes list. Similarly, the UK has the Register of Sponsors, and Australia uses the CRICOS system.

These are some other practical tips for building awareness of study abroad scams. Follow them carefully:

• Know the Red Flags: Scams often promise quick results, pressure you for immediate action, or request unusual payment methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency.
• Rely on Trusted Sources: For housing, scholarships, or university verification, use official websites or recommendations from your university’s international office.
• Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to seek help from advisors or experienced students if something feels off.

Staying informed is your strongest defense against study abroad scams. So don’t be shy to ask your questions.

How to Avoid Study Abroad Scams?

Now that you know the most common study abroad scams targeting international students, let’s see how to avoid them.

Below are some tips for each of the above scam patterns:

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1. How to Avoid Fake Universities and Degree Mills?

Fake colleges and universities are among the most common scams. Here are some tips to avoid them:

• Always be cautious if the program seems too good to be true! For example, offering guaranteed degrees or expedited admissions without formal application procedures are red flags.
• Verify accreditation through official government resources, such as CRICOS in Australia or the US Department of Education’s database.
• Look for reviews or testimonials from past students to ensure the institution’s legitimacy.

2. How to Avoid Visa and Study Abroad Scams?

A study visa is difficult to acquire, so many scammers are in the way of applicants. Follow these rules for avoiding visa scams:

• Immigration authorities never demand payment over the phone or ask for personal information via unsolicited calls.
• Contact your embassy or local immigration office to verify any online or phone claims you received.
• Report suspicious calls to your university’s international office or local police.

3. How to Avoid Housing Scams?

International students have to find a subtle place to stay, and scammers are well aware of their needs. So follow these suggestions to protect yourself from getting scammed:

• Always visit the property in person or request a virtual tour if you’re abroad.
• Never send money to a foreign account without verifying the landlord’s credentials.
• Use trusted housing platforms recommended by your university. For more information, refer to your institution’s official website.

4. How to Avoid Scholarship Scams?

The following tips protect you from falling victim to scholarship scams:

• Legitimate scholarships never charge application fees.
• Verify scholarship offers through university financial aid offices or official websites.
• Avoid unsolicited emails or calls claiming you’ve been awarded a scholarship.

5. How to Avoid Virtual Kidnapping Scams?

This would be a rare and extreme case of scamming. However, it’s better to be ready to cope. These tips are for protecting from extreme scam possibilities:

• Remember that legitimate police or government officials never ask for money or staged videos.
• Contact your university and local authorities immediately if you receive such a call.
• Educate your family about these scams so they recognize the warning signs. This is so important for international students whose families live far away.

By understanding these scams and how they operate, you can take proactive steps to avoid becoming a victim.

📚 If you want to know about How to Find Housing in Canada before Arrive? read this article:

Practical Strategies to Protect Yourself from Scams

As an international student, you can take several practical steps to safeguard yourself from scams.

These measures involve researching, staying vigilant, and using your resources.

Below are detailed strategies to help you protect your money, personal information, and peace of mind.

1. Research Universities and Programs

Before committing to a university or program, please do your homework to verify its legitimacy.

Steps to Verify include:

• Accreditation Check: Use official databases, such as the US Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions or equivalent organizations in other countries.
• Contact the Institution: Email or call the admissions office to confirm the details of the program and verify any acceptance letters.
• Seek Peer Reviews: Look for testimonials from current students on trusted forums, social media groups, or university websites.

2. Protect Your Personal Information

Your details, such as passport numbers, visa information, and bank details, are valuable to scammers.

How to Protect Yourself from study abroad scams:

• Secure Your Documents: Keep physical and digital copies of essential documents in secure locations.
• Avoid Sharing Information Online: Be cautious about posting personal details on public platforms.
• Verify Requests: If someone asks for sensitive information, verify their identity before sharing anything.

3. Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers

Unsolicited emails, phone calls, or social media messages offering too-good-to-be-true opportunities are often scams.

These are some red flags to watch for:

• Urgency: Messages pressuring you to act immediately are often frauds.
• Unclear Sources: Offers from unknown or unverifiable organizations are so suspicious.
• Request for Payment: Demands for upfront fees, primarily via untraceable methods like cryptocurrency or gift cards are not reliable.

And these are some helpful, proactive steps:

• Ignore unsolicited offers unless verified by a trusted source.
• Use spam filters on your email and report suspicious messages to your service provider, if possible.

4. Verify Housing Listings and Rental Agreements

Housing scams are common among international students. Protect yourself by verifying every aspect of a potential rental.

Practical tips for finding housing are as follows:

• Use Trusted Platforms: Stick to university-recommended housing services or reputable real estate websites.
• Meet in Person: If possible, meet the landlord and view the property before signing a lease.
• Pay Securely: Avoid paying with cash or wire transfers. Instead, use bank transfers or checks, which leave a paper trail.
• Ask for a Contract: A legitimate landlord will provide an explicit rental agreement outlining terms, conditions, and costs.

5. Stay Alert to Financial Study Abroad Scams

Scammers often target students with fake scholarships, job offers, and banking scams.

Protect your finances by following these tips:

• Scholarship Applications: Only apply through official university channels or verified organizations. Never pay for scholarship applications.
• Job Offers: Be cautious of jobs offering unusually high pay for minimal effort. Scammers may ask for personal or financial details to “process” your application.
• Bank Accounts: Open your account at a recognized bank and monitor transactions regularly. Immediately report any suspicious activity.

6. Use University Resources

Most universities have dedicated offices to help international students avoid scams. The key resources include:

• International Office: Offers advice on visa and immigration processes, housing, and local laws.
• Student Support Services: Provides counseling and legal assistance in case of fraud or identity theft.
• Workshops: Attend seminars or orientations on staying safe in your host country.

7. Educate Yourself About Local Scams

Scammers often exploit cultural and legal unfamiliarity. Stay informed about the types of scams prevalent in your host country. These are some tips on how to stay informed:

• Check local government or consumer protection websites like Scamwatch in Australia or the FTC in the United States.
• Join student groups or forums where others share their experiences and warnings.

Taking these steps can help minimize your risk of falling victim to scams.

📚 If you want to know about How to Open Bank Account as an International Student in Canada | Complete Guide read this article:

What to Do If Scammers Target Me?

No matter how cautious you are, encountering a scam is still possible. Knowing how to respond and what actions to take can minimize the damage and help protect others.

Here’s what to do if you suspect you’ve been targeted or have fallen victim to fraud:

1. Identify the Scam

If something feels suspicious, take a step back and evaluate the situation.

The signs you’re being scammed include (but are not limited to):

• Requests for immediate payments or personal information.
• Communications are filled with urgent language, threats, or unrealistic guarantees.
• Unsolicited contact from unfamiliar organizations or individuals.

These are some immediate actions to avoid these study abroad scams:

• Don’t provide personal or financial information.
• Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments in suspicious emails or texts, especially if they are from unknown senders.
• Stop communicating with the individual or organization until verified.

2. Stop Further Losses

If you have already provided sensitive information or made payments, act quickly to prevent additional harm.

These are the most effective steps to take:

• Contact Your Bank: Report unauthorized transactions or freeze your account if necessary.
• Change Your Passwords: Update login credentials for your email, bank accounts, and other sensitive platforms.
• Check for Identity Theft: Monitor your credit reports or bank statements for unusual activity.

3. Report the Incident

Reporting scams helps authorities track down fraudsters and prevent others from being targeted. Where to report scams?

• United States: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) via their online complaint assistant. Immigration-related scams can be reported to the Department of Homeland Security Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
• Canada: Report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center at 1-888-495-8501 or use their online reporting system.
• United Kingdom: Notify Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or through their online portal.
• Australia: Report scams to Scamwatch or contact the Australian Tax Office at 1800 008 540 for tax-related fraud.

Additionally, inform your university’s international student office or advisor. They can guide you and may report the scam on your behalf.

4. Seek Support for Study Abroad Scams

Falling victim to a scam can be stressful and isolating. Reach out for help navigating the situation and recovering. Where to get help?

• University Resources: Many institutions offer affected students legal advice, counseling, and financial guidance.
• Peer Support: Join student forums or groups to share your experience and learn from others.
• Legal Assistance: In severe cases, consult a lawyer specializing in consumer fraud or immigration law.

5. Spread Awareness

Sharing your experience can educate others and prevent them from becoming victims. These are some practical steps to raise awareness:

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• Post warnings on social media or student forums.
• Participate in university-hosted safety workshops or events.
• Volunteer to help your university’s international office in organizing anti-scam campaigns.

6. Be Proactive About Recovery

Recovering from a scam may take time, but proactive steps can help you regain control. Do not get disappointed, and try to do the following:

• Monitor Your Finances: Check your bank account and credit score regularly for signs of misuse.
• Reinforce Digital Security: Enable two-factor authentication and secure your devices with antivirus software.
• Learn from the Experience: Reflect on what went wrong and adopt stricter precautions for future interactions.

7. Stay Informed on Study Abroad Scams

Scammers constantly change their tactics, so staying updated is essential to staying safe. These are some sources to stay updated:

• Subscribe to alerts from government or consumer protection agencies in your host country.
• Regularly attend seminars or workshops offered by your university or local organizations.
• Engage with student networks that share information on common scams.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, scams targeting international students are a reality, but they don’t have to define your experience of studying abroad. You can protect yourself and others by staying informed, seeking help, and sharing your experiences.

This Abroadin guide provides you with the most commonly encountered study abroad scams and how to avoid them.

If you have experience with these scams, please comment below and tell us about your practice. Your experience may help someone out of a similar situation.