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  Geebo 8:01 am on July 17, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: ICE ( 3 ), Immigration ( 14 ), Immigration and Customs Enforcement, police impersonation scam ( 84 ), Scams ( 1,530 )   

  Scam Calls Target Immigrants in Texas 

  

  By Greg Collier

  With the current complexity of immigration laws in the United States, many individuals, especially those in vulnerable communities, may find their legal status not only difficult to understand but also a source of fear for their personal safety. This uncertainty creates a dangerous opening for scammers who seek to exploit those fears for financial gain.

  In a recent warning issued by the Austin, Texas, Police Department, residents are being cautioned about scam calls from individuals impersonating either local law enforcement officers or agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These callers are reportedly claiming that the person being contacted is facing fraudulent criminal charges or unspecified immigration violations. The tone of the calls is designed to induce panic, pressuring the recipient into complying out of fear of arrest or deportation.

  What makes this scam particularly insidious is its appearance of legitimacy. Police have identified that many of these calls originate from numbers with a 512 area code, specifically those beginning with the prefix 974. Authorities have stated clearly that any calls appearing with this number format should be treated as fraudulent and reported immediately.

  It is important to emphasize that these types of scams are not limited to areas along the Southern Border. Communities across the country have reported similar schemes, with scammers adapting their tactics to exploit local area codes and regional law enforcement terminology in an effort to appear credible.

  Individuals should remain cautious of unsolicited phone calls, especially those involving threats related to immigration status or legal trouble. Law enforcement agencies and immigration officials do not conduct official business in this manner, particularly when it comes to demanding immediate responses or payments. Anyone who receives such a call should not engage with the caller and should instead report the incident to local authorities or relevant federal agencies.

  As long as confusion persists around immigration policy and enforcement, scammers will continue to take advantage of that uncertainty. Staying informed and vigilant is key to protecting oneself and one’s community.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 6, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gift cards ( 106 ), Immigration and Customs Enforcement, international students ( 4 ), police impersonation scam ( 84 ), Scams ( 1,530 )   

  ICE Scam Drains Students of Thousands 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A recent case out of Indiana highlights the growing threat of scammers impersonating federal immigration agents, specifically targeting vulnerable international students with alarming levels of detail and psychological pressure. The incident has once again raised concerns about how fraudsters exploit fear, confusion about U.S. immigration procedures, and trust in authority to steal thousands of dollars from unsuspecting victims.

  The scam began with a phone call claiming to be from Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The caller insisted that the student was in violation of immigration laws, citing vague administrative errors that required immediate resolution. The scammer provided a name, badge number, and even directed the student to the official government website to verify a spoofed office phone number, giving the call a thin veneer of credibility.

  As the call progressed, a second individual posed as a local police officer, allegedly confirming that a warrant was in place unless ICE validated the student’s case. The scammers demanded that the student remain on the phone, warning that any attempt to hang up or contact someone else would worsen the situation. Over the course of several hours, the student was emotionally manipulated and coerced into purchasing $5,000 in gift cards, believing they were bond payments to avoid deportation and arrest.

  This type of fraud is not new, but it continues to evolve in sophistication. In this case, the scammers had detailed personal information, including the student’s academic history, immigration status, and point of entry into the country. Such information is often obtained through data breaches, phishing attempts, or other illicit means, adding a layer of legitimacy that can trap even the most cautious individuals.

  Scams involving impersonation of immigration officials have become increasingly common in the United States, especially in the years following heightened immigration enforcement efforts. These scams often exploit cultural differences and unfamiliarity with American legal systems, making international students a frequent target. Victims are made to feel isolated and powerless, sometimes being told their phones are under surveillance and that contacting others could lead to further legal trouble.

  The financial loss alone can be devastating. Many international students live on tight budgets, balancing tuition, rent, and everyday expenses without local family support. In addition to the emotional toll, scams like these can create long-term financial instability, especially when the stolen funds come from borrowed money or credit cards.

  This case also underscores the need for greater awareness and education about how legitimate government agencies operate. Federal agencies do not request payment via gift cards, nor do they threaten arrest over the phone without prior written notice. Any demand for personal information, money transfers, or secrecy is a strong indicator of fraud.

  The student in this case is now speaking out to help warn others in similar situations. Her story is a stark reminder that even highly educated individuals can fall victim when fear is weaponized and authority is impersonated. As long as these scams continue to exploit systemic confusion and personal vulnerabilities, raising awareness remains the most effective line of defense.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 22, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Immigration and Customs Enforcement, international students ( 4 ), police impersonation scam ( 84 ), Scams ( 1,530 ), U.S. Customs and Border Protection ( 8 )   

  Visa Scam Targets Foreign Students 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Scammers are once again exploiting confusion and fear to prey on vulnerable populations. The FBI’s Atlanta office is warning that international students legally studying in the United States are being targeted in a sophisticated scam designed to extort money under the threat of deportation.

  This warning comes at a time when Immigration and Customs Enforcement has faced scrutiny for canceling and then walking back the cancellation of hundreds of student visas. Scammers appear to be aware of this uncertainty and are using it to make their schemes more convincing. They are impersonating officials from legitimate government agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Some even fabricate names of fake agencies or pose as representatives from U.S. universities, often using phony websites that mimic official ones to add an extra layer of deception.

  Victims are being told they are in violation of their visa status and face serious consequences, unless they pay fines immediately. These fines are described as fees for legal representation, university registration, or immigration processing. So far, students from countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan have been most frequently targeted.

  This is another example of how scammers stay attuned to current events and seize opportunities where trust is already fragile. By weaponizing bureaucratic confusion, they not only cause financial harm but also jeopardize the academic and immigration status of their victims. The FBI is urging international students to remain vigilant, question unsolicited contact from supposed government officials, and report suspicious activity through appropriate channels.

  International students who suspect they are being targeted should not act hastily out of fear. Verification of claims and careful scrutiny of communication can help prevent falling victim. Government agencies do not typically demand immediate payment over the phone or through unofficial platforms. As always, awareness remains a critical line of defense.