How To Avoid International Student Scammers?

Last Updated on September 4, 2024

You would normally think that studying abroad is a great experience. It is one that will nurture your dreams of getting international acceptance. When a student plans to study abroad, they have to go through numerous application processes, visa processes, and verifications. Despite the many steps that one has to cross to go abroad when the student finally reaches the university or college of his or her dreams, it is very fulfilling.

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However, there are people who are present at every corner of the country, or around you, who want to disrupt the process for their own personal gains. Here in this article, you will know about the scenarios and the actions that you can take. The study abroad consultant will help you to get all the necessary information. Most fraudsters take a dig at students, as they are a vulnerable lot. Moreover, many students think that studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  So, they often bow down to the indiscriminate demands of criminals. 

Types of Scams That International Students Face

There are various types of scams that study abroad consultants in Delhi will tell you about. You should be vigilant when dealing with people in the below scenarios. 

• Visa Scams – This is one of the most common scams that students face. Here students receive phone calls from unknown people posing as immigration and visa officials. You may be informed, that your visa processing is stalled due to some issues. Moreover, you are asked by the scammer to reveal your personal details and also pay a fine. The scammers often threaten the student with dire consequences like deportation if the fine is not paid then and there. According to the best study abroad consultants in Delhi, if you receive a call of this sort, you should not give any sort of personal information over the phone. Also, ensure not to confirm any information, that they might tell you, about you. Moreover, you should hang up and call the police immediately. 
• Student Accommodation Scams – It is the right and wish of every student and parent, to get good and safe accommodation in a foreign location. As an international student, you may already have lots of expenses to think about, and most of you may be trying to save money on the accommodation front. However, there may be fraudsters or property advisors out there looking to extort money from you. Many fraud landlords post ads regarding a property that is not there. When you call after seeing the ad, you might be asked to pay a holding deposit to see the accommodation. After you pay up, you will never hear from them again. The best overseas education consultants in Delhi have received many such complaints in the past. You should be vigilant while dealing with properties and accommodations. Additionally, you can ask the best overseas education consultant in Delhi for UK to arrange accommodation for you. They have the network, to help you to connect with alumni who are already living on campus, or have rented an apartment at a safe place. 
• Scholarship Scams – When you are from a middle-income group family, you may have lots of financial commitments. So, students from such families often look for scholarships. So, scammers often take advantage of such students and exploit them. You can find fake advertisements, which scammers post, and they promise you grants at a foreign university. The best UK consultants in Delhi will tell you about such names. You can block such scam emails and social media posts. Moreover, if someone promises guaranteed scholarships, stay away from such people. Moreover, universities do not ask for money in this manner. 

These are the top scams that are happening across the globe, in relation to foreign education aspirants. You can also get more such news from the best UK education consultants in Delhi, who will be able to guide you better than outsiders. The other less common scams that occur are fake kidnapping scams, students being used as money mules and job scams. You should be aware of all such things while planning to go abroad for your education. 

You can even connect with the study abroad consultants Guwahati, and Admissify to get the requisite help in case of visa, scholarship, or just about anything pertaining to the courses or travel. They will provide you with the best assistance. 

FAQs

How can scammers be prevented?

• Be wary of unsolicited emails, text messages, and phone calls.
• Don’t give out personal information to strangers.
• Do your research before making any financial transactions.
• Use strong passwords and keep them safe.
• Keep your software up to date.

How do you stop a scammer from scamming you?

• If you think you’re being scammed, hang up the phone, delete the email, or block the text message.
• Don’t give out any personal information.
• Don’t make any financial transactions.
• Report the scam to the authorities.

What to do about an international scammer?

• If you’ve been scammed by someone in another country, you may be able to report the crime to the local authorities.
• You can also try to track down the scammer through their IP address.
• If you’ve lost money, you may be able to file a complaint with your credit card company or bank.

How can I get a scammer in trouble in India?

• If you’ve been scammed in India, you can report the crime to the police.
• You can also file a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
• If the scammer is caught, they could face up to 3 years in prison.

Can I stop a scammer?

• It’s difficult to stop a scammer once they’ve targeted you, but there are some things you can do to protect yourself.
• Be aware of the signs of a scam.
• Don’t give out personal information.
• Don’t make any financial transactions.
• Report the scam to the authorities.

Should I reply to a scammer?

• No, you should not reply to a scammer.
• By replying, you’re only confirming that your email address or phone number is active.
• This could make you a target for more scams

Gaurav Kandari

Gaurav Kandari is a seasoned study abroad consultant with over 5 years of experience, specializing in guiding students to the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. An avid traveler, he draws on his global adventures to enrich his consulting, providing invaluable insights to aspiring scholars.