Emory Police Department shares how to avoid scams

Oct. 17, 2024

The Emory Police Department (EPD) is warning our community about a scam involving a stranger who asks to borrow a phone, computer or Wi-Fi, claiming they have an emergency.

This scenario presents three possible dangers. Scammers may use your phone to charge unauthorized calls. They may try to obtain your personal information. And there is a risk they could steal your belongings or damage it before returning it.

EPD encourages students, faculty and staff to be on the lookout for the following signs of this scam:

The individual seems overly insistent on using your device, particularly if they are unwilling to provide specific details about their situation.
Scammers may approach without a charger, claiming their phone is dead.
The person’s story changes or seems implausible.
The stranger wants to use your device in a secluded area or insists on making the call or web search themselves.

EPD also offers several prevention tips:

Exercise caution when approached by strangers requesting to borrow your phone, computer or Wi-Fi. It's okay to decline.
Suggest other ways to help the person, such as making the requested call or web search for them.
Maintain watch on your electronic devices and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid leaving items unattended.
Create alerts for all your debit, purchase or withdrawal transactions.
Review your call logs, messages and app usage for suspicious or unauthorized activity.
Protect your devices and networks with a passcode or biometric authentication. Consider installing security software to help detect and prevent unauthorized access.
Write down your phone’s International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) or Mobile Equipment Identifier (MEID) number, so your carrier may be able to disable your smartphone and mobile payment apps, and block access to sensitive information.

If you think you’re the victim of a scam, contact EPD at police@emory.edu or by calling 404-727-6111. International Student and Scholar Services is also available at isss@emory.edu to support members of our international community. Emory provides additional support resources for everyone.

Community members who suspect their device or personal information was compromised should change all their passwords, especially for accounts related to banking, email, social media and other sensitive platforms.

EPD also encourages victims to contact their financial institutions and request they trace, block and begin a review of suspicious transactions.

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