Advice from the Center for Global Education

Screen your calls – let incoming calls go to your voicemail; then listen to the message to know if it is someone suspicious calling who might be trying to scam you.
If you are having a phone conversation and think it might be a scam, hang up the call.
Do not give money, gift cards, or promise to give money.
Do not meet up with the person.
Do not tell them any personal or financial information.
If you feel threatened or unsafe, call 911.
Monitor/change information–bank account, credit card, online accounts, passwords, etc. depending on the nature of the call; if you see suspicious activity or think you have been the victim of a scam, call your bank immediately!
You can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or USCIS.
If you receive any unusual demands in the mail, contact the Center for Global Education (CGE) 207-786-6223; globaleducation@bates.edu
If you feel upset/anxious/need to talk to someone, call Counseling & Psychological Services CAPS at 207-786-6200.
If you receive a call and you are not sure if it is a scam, contact CGE for a second opinion.
Please share this information with your friends to help prevent this from happening to others.