Stay aware: fraudulent IRCC scam targeting Waterloo students

Monday, December 18, 2023

Scammers are targeting international students at the University of Waterloo through fraudulent emails claiming to be from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

These emails allege that there is an issue with the student’s visa and that it will be cancelled if they do not take action. Students are then directed to sign-in to a fake IRCC portal, compromising their login information.

IRCC will not ask students to contact the Student Success Office or an immigration office at Waterloo. IIRC will not ask for action so urgently that it causes hardship or undue stress. IRCC will not ask for money to be deposited anywhere other than through their official payment portal.

To report fraud or abuse to IRCC, please visit their reporting site. IRCC provides instructions on what to do and who to contact depending on the type of fraud you have experienced

Tips to identify email scams

Hover over links and email addresses: URL and email addresses will appear at the bottom of your web browser window or email client when you hover over them. Double check to see if they match IRCC’s official website.
Look for typos: phishing emails often have errors and grammar mistakes.
Verify the information: if you receive a suspicious email about your immigration status, you can contact the following services for help.
- Student Success Office
  - Email success@uwaterloo.ca
  - Call 519-888-4567 ext. 84410
- Univesity of Waterloo Special Constable Services
  - Email uwscs@uwaterloo.ca
  - Call 519-888-4911
- Information Systems and Technology (IST)
  - Email helpdesk@uwaterloo.ca
  - Call 519-888-4567 ext. 44357.