Important notice for incoming international students

The University of Toronto has recently been alerted through Toronto Police Service of scams that are attempting to defraud newly arrived Chinese international students. These scams involve personal contact via the student’s phone, email or social media accounts and can come across as very realistic and threatening.

There are two types of fraud that we are concerned about: scenarios where students are being approached to move money for other individuals (money mules), and scenarios where students are being defrauded of their own money, usually in a threatening manner. Please be on high alert for either of these scenarios.

For information about fraud prevention, visit the Community Safety Office Website at the following links.

• Frauds and Scams Targeting International Students – provides a consolidated list of fraud prevention tips
• Money Mule Fraud Awareness Targeting International Students – provides an alert from the Toronto Police Services

If you or someone you know are a victim of fraud or suspect you are being targeted, we encourage you to make a report to your Campus Safety Service (formerly Campus Police) or to contact the Community Safety Office for a consultation. The contact information for these resources can be found below.

For more information

• UTM International Education Centre
• UTSG Centre for International Experience
• UTSC International Student Centre
• UTSG Campus Safety – Fraud Prevention
• Community Safety Office – Frauds
• Community Safety Office – Money Mule Scam (TPS Alert)
• Government of Canada’s Immigration Website: Fraud Prevention
• Toronto Police Resource: Fraud – Know It Before It Knows You

University of Toronto supports

Campus Safety (Available 24/7)

• U of T St. George Campus Safety:
• 416-978-2222 (Emergency)
• 416-978-2323 (Non-Emergency)
• U of T Mississauga Campus Safety:
• 905-569-4333 (Emergency)
• 905-828-5200 (Non-Emergency)
• U of T Scarborough Campus Safety:
• 416-978-2222 (Emergency)
• 416-287-7398 (Non-Emergency)

Community Safety Office (CSO) (Available M-F, 9-5)

• 416-978-1485
• community.safety@utoronto.ca

If you have any questions about fraud prevention or need to seek assistance, please contact your Campus Safety Office or the Community Safety Office.

August 31, 2021