Campus Life

University Police warn campus community of telephone scams

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State University Police and other local agencies are investigating several telephone scams that have recently been reported in the area.

The callers may indicate they are a member of law enforcement, IRS, or another legitimate agency. Victims are told they owe money and immediate payment may be requested in the form of a pre-loaded debit card, money order, or wire transfer. The caller will often stay on the phone with the victim until the transaction is complete. If the victim refuses to cooperate, the caller may then threaten the victim with arrest.

If you receive this type of phone call, do not provide the caller with any information over the phone and contact police immediately.

Anyone with information should contact Penn State University Police at (814) 863-1111 or Centre County Crime Stoppers at tip@centrecountycrimestoppers.org. Persons providing information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a reward up to$1,000.00 from Centre County CrimeStoppers. Anonymous tips can be submitted at: http://www.police.psu.edu/psu-police/report-crime.cfm.

University Police would also like to remind the community to:

  • Report suspicious activity, persons or vehicles to University Police at (814) 863-1111 or 911 immediately.
  • Never give anyone personal or financial information over the phone.
  • Monitor credit card and bank statements regularly and report any unauthorized transactions to your financial institution immediately. 
Last Updated September 30, 2015