ÂÌñÉç

ÂÌñÉç Safety Advisory

5/1/2025

 Malicious actors posing as law enforcement agencies and financial institutions, both foreign and domestic, have been targeting individuals across the country, including students and employees at ÂÌñÉç.

In this scam, the suspect contacts potential victims by phone and falsely claims the victim been implicated in a crime. While the nature of the alleged crime varies, it often involves accusations of fraud, drug trafficking or violent acts. To lend credibility to the scam, the caller may reference personal information about the victim which was previously obtained. The scammer then attempts to extort money under the pretense that the payment is needed for bail, to dismiss a warrant or to prevent an imminent arrest.

On April 30, 2025, the University Police at ÂÌñÉç received a report of this scam occurring on ÂÌñÉç’s campus. We understand that receiving such a call can be alarming, and we want to reassure our campus community that these calls are fraudulent. The intent behind such call is typically to intimidate individuals and steal money or personal information. It is important to know that law enforcement agencies and financial institutions do not call individuals to warn them of impending arrests or deportation. Additionally, no law enforcement agency will ever ask for financial information (such as bank account or credit card details) or demand money to dismiss an investigation or cancel an arrest warrant. 

In response to this report and in recognition of the ongoing threat posed by these scams, the ÂÌñÉç Police Department advises all members of the campus community to exercise caution when dealing with unsolicited or suspicious phone calls. To reduce your risk of falling victim, follow these tips:

1. If you receive a call accusing you of a crime, remain calm, do not engage with the caller and hang up immediately. Contact your local law enforcement agency directly to verify the claims. If you are on campus, call the University Police at (607) 777-2393.
2. If the caller claims to be from your financial institution, again, remain calm and hang up. Use the customer service number printed on the back of your credit or debit card to verify any claims of fraudulent activity.
3. Never purchase or send gift cards as a form of payment to an unknown individual, regardless of who they claim to be. Legitimate government agencies and financial institutions will never request payment in this manner.
4. Do not share personal or sensitive information (such as Social Security numbers, passport details, addresses or financial information) over the phone.
5. Be aware that the caller may continue contacting you from different numbers. These numbers may appear to be from government agencies, or may direct you to an official-looking website. These are common tactics used to convince a victim of the call’s legitimacy. As mentioned above, do not engage with the caller regardless of how persistent they are.

If you become a victim of this or any online fraud, report the incident to the university police at (607)777-2393 immediately. Information can also be reported anonymously through the University Police website: /police/anonymous-tips.html. Your prompt reporting is crucial for our ability to provide swift assistance and effectively address the situation.
 
This message has been delivered to all active users of the ÂÌñÉç electronic mail system. This message is posted for the ÂÌñÉç community in compliance with the "Timely Warning" provisions of the federal Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act. You cannot be removed from these distributions. There is no reason to forward this message to individuals or mailing lists within the ÂÌñÉç mail system, as it is already distributed to everyone.