The Importance of Protecting Yourself from Scams (Tuition Discount Scams)
McMaster University recognizes how important it is for you to feel safe at McMaster and in Hamilton, and this includes protecting yourself from scams and phishing attempts.
If you are contacted by a service or someone promising you a tuition discount, it is a fraud/scam. International students living in Canada can be vulnerable because it can be difficult to recognize scams, and students are often worried that they will cause more trouble by asking for help.
We’re here to support you
If you are unsure about what to do in a situation, please connect with us first by emailing Andrew Staples, Student Success Coach, International Students, Student Success Centre (Undergraduate Students) or Yufei Zheng, Coordinator, International Students, School of Graduate Studies (Graduate Students).
What are tuition payment scams?
Scammers have been contacting students at universities with a promise to offer a discount on tuition. This scam has been occurring worldwide, including at Canadian and US institutions. Students are often pressured by the scammers to get a quick discount on their tuition fees. Students that are victims of the scam can lose thousands of dollars and end up paying twice for their tuition.
How does the scam work?
Students are often contacted by the scammers online using popular apps such as WeChat, email, phone, or in some cases may even be approached in-person. They may also try to recruit people at universities to promote the scam as a legitimate tuition discount service. The scammers will typically ask the student for their login credentials, and then pay the tuition on behalf of the student using a stolen credit card. After the student confirms their tuition has been paid in their university account, the student transfers a payment to the fraudsters. When the tuition payment is later identified as fraudulent, a chargeback is issued. The student ends up losing the tuition amount they sent to the fraudsters and still owe the university the original tuition amount. The scam works since it entices students with a discount on their tuition. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to identify the fraudsters let alone hold them accountable.
Protect yourself from scams
Staying informed and taking specific precautions can help you detect and protect yourself from scams.
- Be suspicious of calls that demand money or immediate action.
- Do not reply to the scammers since they may try to lure you further into the scam.
- If possible, block the scammers in the chat app to prevent them from contacting you further.
- Don’t share your university credentials or passwords with anyone.
- Never use any stolen credit card numbers provided by the scammers to pay your tuition.
- Do not pay your tuition to a third-party facilitator/intermediary.
- If approached in person, do not talk to the scammers, and contact the police.
- No law enforcement agency will demand payment of currency in order to conduct an investigation.
- Never offer information to the caller.
- Never share your banking information with anyone.
- Don’t be afraid to say no.
- Remember to never send money to someone under uncertain conditions.
In September, International Student Services hosted a webinar featuring representatives from Hamilton Police Services, Fraud Prevention, Crime Stoppers and McMaster Security to discuss how to detect and avoid scams.
Recording: How to Stay Safe in Hamilton.
More tips on fraud prevention
Visit the Mac’s Money Centre website to access tips and strategies on detecting and avoiding scams.
Fraud prevention tips
November is Financial Literacy Month. Mac’s Money Centre is hosting a variety of workshops and programs for your financial wellness.
Let us know if we can help
On behalf of International Student Services in the Student Success Centre, we want to assure you that your safety and well-being are incredibly important to us.
Let us know if you need help. Email Andrew Staples, Student Success Coach, International Students, Student Success Centre (Undergraduate Students) or Yufei Zheng, Coordinator, International Students, School of Graduate Studies (Graduate Students) if you have questions, need to talk or want to learn about scam-prevention resources.
For mental health support and counselling, connect with the Student Wellness Centre (SWC). They have personalized, compassionate services and programs designed to meet your wellness needs. The Student Wellness Centre offers daily drop-ins starting at 1:30 p.m. and a virtual StressLess drop in session.
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