10/15/2021
Written By: Lara Jennings, International Student & Scholar Advisor
Question: Why did ICE Call me and say my I-94 still needs completed?
Answer: Unfortunately, scammers are always trying to find new ways to get your personal information to defraud you. This means each year we see new ways scammers contact students and OISS wants to make sure that you are aware so you can best protect yourself.
A Washington University student recently received a call from someone claiming to be an employee of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They called from a phone number that matched the phone number on the ICE website. This is something that scammers have figured out how to do and they will often suggest that a student check the ICE website to verify the phone number.
The student was told that he did not complete an ICE document and was asked questions about the purpose for coming to the U.S., his roommate information and whether he had obtained a loan. Wisely, the student hung up the phone, did not provide any personal information, and contacted his OISS Advisor.
OISS developed the WHAM method to help students “Stop the Sham before it becomes a scam”.
W – Wait, and take a Pause.
H – Hang up the Phone.
A – Ask your OISS Advisor for Help.
M – Manage the Sham.