Dear TC Students: 

There has been an uptick in frauds and scams directed at members of the TC community. Protect yourself by becoming aware of the latest scams. 

PHANTOM APARTMENT SCAM: The online fraudster will pretend to be a legitimate real estate agent and offer the victim a “too good to be true” apartment rental. They will say the apartment may not be visited, and will solicit payment via cell phone apps. The apartment will never be delivered, and the victims' funds are forever gone. 

Warning signs: 

1. The broker says the apartment cannot be inspected 

2. The broker is not available to meet in person 

3. The broker solicits funds via payment apps 

PHANTOM JOB SCAM: The online fraudster will post a job using a fake .edu email, and in the body of the listing will request that the victim email them at a different email address because they are traveling. The fraudster then mails a check to the victim and has the victim cash it with the promise that a portion of the check is for pay. The fraudster then requests the remaining funds be used to buy gift cards and asks for the serial numbers. Several days later, the victim’s bank rejects the check and the victim is responsible for the entire amount. 

Warning signs: 

1. The job posting directs to a different email 

2. The person offering the job is never available to meet 

3. The person sends a check and requests gift cards in return 

DEPORTATION/ARREST WARRANT SCAM: The fraudster will call the victim from a telephone number that displays Washington D.C. as the location. The caller will claim 

to be from a government agency (DHS, USCIS, IRS) and will say there is a warrant or deportation order and that the victim is in serious and imminent legal trouble. The caller will know many personal details about the victim. At some point the caller will say the matter can be resolved through the payment of fines and/or legal fees, and will demand payment be sent via payment apps, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. The victim does as instructed only to discover it was all a ruse and their funds are gone forever. 

Warning signs: 

1. Calls from the “government” requesting payment over the phone 

2. Demands for payment by cryptocurrency, gift cards, or apps 

3. Unheard of fines or legal costs 

BEWARE: 

*No government agencies will ever demand payment over the phone 

*Telephone numbers are easily spoofed and may have nothing to do with the reality of who is calling you. 

*Email name headings and addresses can easily be made to look official. Anyone can purchase an internet domain for a relatively low cost. 

*In the digital age, unfortunately, all of our personal information is for sale on the cheap both on the web and dark web. 

For additional information or questions please contact TC Associate Director of Public Safety David Gaynor at dmg2190@tc.columbia.edu