Fake embassy investigation
The student received a call from someone claiming to be a representative of the Chinese Embassy in Chicago. The caller said the student’s passport was connected with international crime and threatened the student with deportation. The caller instructed the student to wire $90,000 to an unknown account to avoid criminal charges. The student complied.
Campustown residents reminded of safety during fall break
URBANA — As the school enters its hiatus and many students leave campus, those who stay during the break should take precautions to make sure they stay safe.With fewer people in the area, that also provides criminals with more opportunities to commit crimes. But there are a few things you can do to significantly reduce your risk of being targeted by an offender. “These are things we want our campus community members to be doing year-round, but the campus environment during the break makes these tips particularly helpful,” said Lt. Rachael Ahart. Use SafeWalks. The free walking escort services provided by trained Student [...]
Fake identity theft
A U. of I. student received a call from a person claiming to be a representative of the U.S. Postal Service who said the student’s identity had been stolen. The caller directed the student to purchase $2,000 in gift cards as payment for a new Social Security number. The student purchased the gift cards and transferred the card information to the caller.
Fake embassy fine
A U. of I. student received a series of calls from people claiming to represent the Chinese Embassy in Chicago who said the student would be arrested if she did not pay a fine. The student provided her passport information and wired $23,000 to the scammer.
Payment app fraud
A U. of I. student listed a set of vehicle rims for sale on an online marketplace and received a message from a person who claimed to be interested in purchasing them. The student then received a call from someone claiming to be a representative of the online payment application who said that the student had to pay $500 to release the payment from the prospective buyer. The student did so, but did not receive any return payment.