Editor’s note: This is the first of a new regular column in the University Times from the Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management.

It’s tax season, which means it’s a new year. Scammers, however, are up to their same old tricks.

The Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management and the Pitt Police are reminding students, faculty and staff that they may receive a telephone call from someone pretending to be an employee of a government agency, such as the IRS or a local police department, and request personal information or money in various forms. 

A scammer’s goal is to get to your money, and a legitimate government agency, such as the IRS, will never ask for your Social Security number, request payments such as wire or gift cards, or overpay you with a check. 

International students may receive a call from someone pretending to be from a government agency and claiming that there is a problem with their immigration documents or visa renewal.  These scammers will also threaten to arrest you or, if you are a student, have you kicked out of school.  

If you believe a call is suspicious, hang up and report it to Pitt Police at 412-624-2121.

If you are concerned about your visa or immigration status, please call the U.S. Citizenship Immigration Service’s National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.