The Notre Dame Police Department is committed to ensuring a safe environment for everyone. While we work diligently to maintain physical security, we also want to empower you with the knowledge to protect yourselves from digital and financial threats. Scammers often target students, and by understanding their tactics, you can help us keep our community secure.
We’ve identified several common scams. One of the newest we've seen is Distraction Crime. These synchronized teams, often involving two or more individuals, have a sole goal to break your focus. They might create a sudden commotion, ask or demand to use your phone, "accidentally" bump into you, or aggressively create pressure to hurry up while you're at an ATM, filling out a survey, or paying for something. Their partners use the split-second your attention shifts away from your wallet, phone, or Apple Pay to discreetly snatch your valuables. They use a deliberate strategy of sensory overload, multiple people talking at once, loud demands, or even physical contact to dismantle your situational awareness. Always be aware of your surroundings, resist the urge to react to sudden chaos, and keep a physical barrier between your body and your belongings.
The False Job Opportunity Scam is one we see frequently. It typically starts with an email from someone impersonating a faculty member, offering a high-paying, low-effort job. You'll be "hired" without an interview and then receive a fraudulent e-check. The scammer will ask you to use your own money to purchase gift cards or send funds via apps like Venmo or PayPal before the check clears. The bank eventually identifies the check as fake, but by then, the money you sent is gone. To protect yourself, always verify the sender's email. It should be an official Notre Dame address. We encourage you to contact the faculty member directly through a known, official channel or contact us to verify the job offer before you agree to anything.
Another concerning scam is the Romance and/or Dating Site Scam. This involves individuals who build a relationship with you online, and after you share intimate photos, they threaten to send them to your friends and family unless you pay them. This is a form of blackmail. It’s important to understand that paying them will not solve the problem, it only encourages them to demand more money. If you or someone you know is in this situation, do not send money and contact the NDPD for assistance.
Scammers also frequently impersonate government officials. In the Government Agency Scam, you might receive a call or text demanding money for a missed jury duty, a supposed warrant, or unpaid taxes. These individuals often use phone number "spoofing" to appear legitimate. It is crucial to remember that government agencies do not call or text demanding money. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and contact us.
We've also seen a rise in the Embarrassing Internet Searches Scam. In this scheme, you get an email with some of your personal information, like your address, claiming the sender has embarrassing videos of you that were captured by spyware. They will then demand payment in Bitcoin to prevent the videos from being shared. We want to be clear: this is a phishing scam. They do not have these videos. We urge you not to pay any money and to contact the NDPD for guidance if you receive such an email.
Finally, a very timely and common scam for students is the Notre Dame Event Tickets Scam. This often happens through GroupMe chats, where someone claims to have tickets for a popular sporting event or concert. They might even share a photo of what looks like a student ID. However, the photo is often of a previous victim, and the tickets do not exist. Once you send money for the tickets, it's very difficult to get it back. The safest way to purchase event tickets is through the official Notre Dame ticket office, or from someone you personally know and trust. If you receive a suspicious chat about buying tickets, do not send any money and contact the NDPD for help.
“Our top priority is your well-being, and a significant part of that is protecting you from the growing threat of online scams. The key to staying safe is to be proactive. If you receive a suspicious email, text, or call, take a moment to verify it before you act,” said Chief Keri Kei Shibata.
Call Notre Dame Police at (574) 631-5555 for non-emergencies, or dial 911 for an emergency.