Health, Safety, and Wellness
Review this information, know your rights, and always be prepared to protect yourself from identity theft and money fraud.
Avoiding Fraud and Scams in the U.S.
While traveling in the U.S. is generally very safe, scams targeting international exchange participants have increased. Scammers exploit cultural and language barriers that make it difficult to distinguish real requests from fake ones. Though these situations are rare, staying aware helps protect yourself and prevents unwanted complications.
Be Aware of Common Scams
The first step in protecting yourself against frauds and scams is awareness. The different types of scams might include government/IRS impersonation, tax and fee scams, phishing, or even something as seemingly harmless as a person asking for directions to access your phone. Based on FBI and government sources, here are the most common frauds and scams targeting international exchange participants in the U.S. You can also check the U.S. Department of State website for more information.
Red Flags – It’s Always a Scam If:
- Demands immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
- Won’t let you hang up to verify their identity
- Threatens deportation, arrest, or visa problems
- Asks for personal information over the phone
- Claims to work for the government and threatens deportation
Critical warning: If someone claiming to work for the government demands payment, hang up immediately and call InterExchange (917.373.0994) or local police. Government officials and banks send letters—they never call, text, or email demanding money or threaten consequences like deportation.
What to Do When Strangers Contact You
If someone you don’t know contacts you by phone, email, or social media asking for personal information, never share any personal information.
- Instead, tell them “I can’t share information right now, but I need to know about you first.” Ask for their full name, phone number, email, company name, why they need your information, and badge/ID number if they claim to work for the government.
- If they won’t share details about themselves, they’re likely scammers.
Additional precautions:
- Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers—let them leave a message and call back if it’s legitimate.
- Don’t click links or respond to emails from strangers
- Only enter personal information on trusted, secure websites
- Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission
- When in doubt, verify through official .gov websites or contact InterExchange (212.924.0446)
- Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, it probably is.
Protect Your Important Documents
- Only carry your passport when absolutely necessary—use your driver’s license or passport copy for daily identification.
- Never share your Social Security number with anyone and keep your Social Security card in a safe place separate from your wallet.
- Make two copies of all important documents: passport ID page, J-1 visa, Social Security card, and driver’s license. Leave one copy with family or friends at home and carry the other copy separately from your originals.
- Tell someone at home where you’re staying and how to contact you.
- Only enter personal information on official, trusted websites with security protection.
Handle Money Safely
- Be aware of your surroundings when using ATMs and only carry the cash you need for that day.
- Enter your pin discretely and use secure passwords when banking online.
- Check your bank and credit card statements monthly for unauthorized charges
- Use credit cards when possible, but confirm they’re accepted first.
- Don’t show large amounts of money when paying bills.
- Notify your bank before traveling that you’re moving to the U.S.
- Never wire money or give credit card information to strangers, even if they threaten you.
If You Lose Documents
You can stay in the U.S. for your authorized time (shown on your I-94 record) even without your passport, but you need a valid passport to leave the U.S. or enter other countries.
- If you lose your passport, contact your country’s embassy or consulate for a replacement.
- If you plan to leave and return to the U.S., apply for a new J-1 visa before coming back.
If you lose your DS-2019 form, contact InterExchange immediately (917.373.0994).
We hope taking these precautions will keep you and your belongings free from unwanted attention. But if you should find yourself in a bind, please contact one of our emergency lines — we’re here for you 24/7!