University Police has received a complaint of attempted fraud related to unsolicited telephone calls. The department reminds the campus community to keep the following tips in mind when receiving a phone call or email:

• No reputable company or organization will call you to tell you owe taxes or have an unpaid debt, such as electricity or telephone. No legitimate company will require you to send funds electronically or place funds on a pre-paid card to satisfy a debt. If in doubt, hang up the phone and call the police.
• You never have to pay money to obtain winnings or inheritances. If you did not enter a sweepstakes, you did not win funds. Be aware that it is against federal law to play a foreign lottery, so if you get a call regarding a foreign lottery it is likely a scam.
• Never respond to unsolicited telephone calls or emails requesting personal information, passport information or financial information.
• The government will never instruct anyone to purchase a gift card to make payments. If you are contacted by someone claiming to represent the government or a government entity who asks you for personal information or requests that you purchase gift cards to repay a debt, you should contact the University Police or an area law enforcement official.
• The University Police department is available to you 24/7 via Rave Guardian App or at 341-4300. In an emergency, please dial 911.