Scams and fraud against international students in the U.S.: How to protect yourself?

Every year, thousands of international students face scams, fraud schemes, and false promises that put their visas, their plans, and even their stay in the United States at risk.

Unfortunately, this is a growing problem, especially among newly arrived immigrants who are still adapting to the language, laws, and educational system.

The vulnerability of international students has created a parallel market of fake schools, fake consultancies, and false opportunities that seem too good to be true but lead to financial loss and emotional damage.

This guide was created to protect you.

Here you will learn about the most common scams, how to identify them quickly, and how to stay safe throughout your journey in the United States.

1. The reality behind scams targeting international students

Scams happen because international students often:

• Have little knowledge about F1 visa rules
• Trust advice from WhatsApp groups and social media
• Look for cheaper options without evaluating risks
• Fear dealing directly with USCIS
• Do not know what accreditation or SEVP approval means
• Cannot distinguish legitimate schools from irregular ones

Scammers exploit exactly these points.

Some schools, consultants, and intermediaries sell not education but a false sense of safety that ends up harming the student.

2. The most common scams affecting international students

Below are the scams most frequently reported among students in the U.S.

Scam 1: Unaccredited schools promising safety and long-term I-20s

This is one of the most dangerous scams.
Some institutions offer:

• Long I-20s
• Extremely low prices
• Promises of zero bureaucracy
• Guaranteed safety for several years

The problem is that unaccredited schools can be shut down without notice, and this happens every year.
When a school closes, the student loses F1 status immediately.

Consequences include:

• Leaving the country within 15 days
• Difficulty obtaining a new visa
• Record of irregular schooling in SEVIS
• Complications in future visa or green card processes

Serious institutions such as Approach are accredited and comply with all federal regulations to protect students.

Scam 2: Consultants promising shortcuts to visas

Fake consultants offer:

• Guaranteed approval
• Document preparation
• Legal guidance without being attorneys
• Unauthorized immigration services

In the U.S., only licensed attorneys and authorized entities can provide legal advice.

Following guidance from unauthorized sources may result in:

• Visa denial
• Immigration fraud
• Cancellation of processes
• Loss of legal status

Always rely on official sources from USCIS, DHS, or accredited schools.

Scam 3: Impossible courses for unrealistic prices

If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Scammers often advertise:

• Semesters at extremely low prices
• Unrealistic discounts
• Unlimited plans
• Hidden fees

This usually indicates:

• Unaccredited institutions
• Schools at risk of closing
• Irregular I-20 issuance practices
• Illegal methods to keep students in status

A serious school never compromises legality to reduce price.

Scam 4: Rumors about immigration changes

Informal groups spread daily:

• Incorrect interpretations of rules
• Exaggerated fears
• Outdated information
• Promises from other schools
• Theories about F1 duration and extensions

Rumors create panic and lead students to make rushed decisions, such as mass transfers.

Serious institutions always:

• Consult official sources
• Publish information on their website
• Explain the real context
• Educate students before decisions are made

Scam 5: Easy transfer promises without proper guidance

Some agents and schools promote:

• Immediate transfer without evaluation
• Promises of longer I 20s
• Fewer academic requirements

Students who transfer without understanding the rules may:

• Lose eligibility for extensions
• Be unable to return to previous levels
• Harm future applications
• Violate F1 requirements unknowingly

Transfers without proper guidance put both academic progress and immigration status at risk.

3. How to identify fraudulent schools and offers

There are clear warning signs. Always check the following before trusting a school or individual.

Warning sign 1: The school is not listed as accredited

All schools offering F1 programs must be:

• Accredited
• Approved by SEVP
• Auditable

You can verify an institution’s credibility through:

• DHS
• SEVP School Certification
• Official accrediting agencies

If the school is not listed, it is not safe.

Warning sign 2: Exaggerated promises

Be cautious if you hear:

• Guaranteed multi year I-20s
• Zero risk of extensions
• Guaranteed approval
• Same conditions for all students
• No academic requirements
• Prices far below market rate

These promises do not align with federal regulations.

Warning sign 3: Lack of transparency

Avoid schools that:

• Do not have an updated website
• Do not have a verifiable physical address
• Do not disclose accreditation
• Do not present faculty
• Do not clearly explain programs
• Do not offer official communication channels

Transparency is a basic requirement of reputable institutions.

4. How to protect yourself effectively

Here are practical steps to avoid scams:

• Verify accreditation
• Trust only official information
• Read rules directly from DHS, ICE, and the Federal Register
• Avoid informal groups as your main guidance source
• Never accept long I 20 promises without evaluation
• Always consult an accredited school before making decisions
• Never share personal documents with strangers
• Question offers that seem too easy

Protection requires education.
This is why serious institutions work with clarity, guidance, and responsibility.

5. How Approach protect its students?

Approach follows a structure of educational and immigration protection that includes:

• Official accreditation
• Educational compliance
• Trained teachers and administrators
• Constant publication of clarifications
• Multilingual support
• Transparency about federal rules
• Roadmap to Success to guide each student according to their goals

Here, students have access to a reliable ecosystem that prioritizes both safety and growth.

Scams and fraud are a real challenge for many international students.

But with the right information, professional guidance, and serious institutions, it is possible to avoid losses and build a safe and successful journey in the United States.

If you want reliable guidance and safe next steps, contact Approach and speak with our team.

Talk to Approach today and receive official and secure guidance for your journey in the United States. Click here!