UW–Madison Police Department

UWPD Warns International Community of Ongoing Phone Scam

  • Incident type: Information
  • Location/address: UW-Madison Campus

Over the last few weeks, the UW-Madison Police Department has heard from at least a dozen individuals, who have reported a phone scam that seems to be targeting international students and faculty at UW-Madison.  The phone number that appears on the caller ID traces back to either the UW-Madison Police Department or the City of Madison Police Department. However, it’s very likely the call is originating from outside the United States.

The phone calls have been similar in nature, but can vary – often times the caller identifies themselves as someone from a government tax department saying they owe taxes, or a police officer saying there’s a warrant for their arrest and they can pay money to clear their record.

In all of these cases, it’s clear this is a way to deceive people into stealing their money. The caller seems to be preying on international students and staff, often times threatening they will be deported if they don’t comply with their requests.  The caller is lying and is only trying to steal your money.

It’s important to know that government agencies, police departments, etc. will never call you and demand financial information over the phone.  Never give out personal information over the phone. When in doubt, hang up and call the agency that’s claiming to contact you, or call police.  Never get cash or supply cash to someone you don’t personally know.

In recent cases, individuals have had success telling the caller, “I know this is a scam, you’re not going to get any money, and I’m calling the police.”  Typically the caller will hang up and not bother you anymore.

If you feel harassed or unsafe, or if you worry that you’ve fallen victim and you have shared personal and financial information with the caller, please call the UW-Madison Police Department at (608) 264-2677 and ask to file a report.