Scam Targeting International Community

Last updated on Wednesday, December 13, 2017

(BLOOMINGTON) - Indiana University Police have been notified about another telephone scam that has targeted several members of the Indiana University’s international community.

This one pressures those called to pay money in order to stay in the U.S. and to avoid arrest by police. The calls appeared to originate from police agencies.

IUPD Bloomington Chief Laury Flint says police will never call and ask for money or bank account information.

"In fact, no one should. If you receive such a call, hang up and immediately contact local police," he added.

You should be suspicious if you are:

Asked for personal financial details like bank account information or credit card numbers over the phone or by e-mail;

Pressured to buy something or give information without time to think it through;

Specifically asked to pay by cash, check, money order, gift (iTunes) card, or commercial wire service transfer;

Told you've won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes you never entered;

Asked to help transfer funds out of a foreign country for a share of the money; or

Given a check or Money order for more than the cost of an item you are selling.

If you suspect you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your local police department.

For more information on common types of fraud visit the FBI's "Scams and Safety" page, https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

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