SCAM ALERT
The University has received reports of scammers posing as USC alumni attempting to sell vehicles and rent out housing that don’t exist. These scams target USC community members. We urge you to be diligent and exercise caution when engaging in online transactions to protect yourself from these scams.
Last year alone, USC students reported being victims to scams with a combined total loss of more than $1.6 million. To avoid being a victim of a scam, please read the following information carefully:
TIPS TO AVOID SCAMS
– Scammers create fake listings for rental properties that don’t exist or are already occupied. Be wary of listings that seem too good to be true. Use reputable rental platforms.
– Scammers copy legitimate listings, change the contact information and post the altered ad on another site. Check the property’s address and compare it to public records. Verify the landlord’s identity through public records or by contacting the property management company.
– Scammers claim to be out of the country and unable to show the property, demanding a deposit or first month’s rent before handing over the keys. Don’t pay any money before viewing the property.
– Scammers often request payments via wire transfer or other methods that are difficult to trace. Avoid untraceable payment methods.
– Scammers rush potential tenants to sign a lease without giving them time to review the terms. Fake leases often contain unclear or ambiguous terms, leaving you vulnerable to misunderstandings. Don’t rush into signing a lease, and make sure you understand all the terms and conditions.
– If attempting to purchase vehicles or other high-value property online, use reputable platforms, don’t pay any money before viewing the property, and avoid untraceable payment methods.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE BEEN DECEIVED
If you suspect you’ve encountered a scam, please notify local law enforcement or DPS at:
University Park Campus (UPC) (213) 740-6000 or Health Sciences Campus (HSC) (323) 442-1200.
If you are in immediate danger, call the LAPD at 911 or DPS at (213) 740-4321 for UPC or (323) 442-1000 for HSC.
Thank you for helping us keep USC safe.
If you are in immediate DANGER, call the Los Angeles Police Department at 911 or the USC Department of Public Safety at (213) 740-4321.
Please note that race, ethnicity, gender and/or religious affiliation are NOT considered the basis for suspicion; only behaviors are considered suspicious.
If you have any questions or information relevant to the crime(s) reflected in this alert, immediately call DPS at (213) 740-6000 for the University Park Campus (UPC), (323) 442-1000 for the Health Sciences Campus (HSC) or (213) 485-6571 for the LAPD Southwest Division.
The purpose of this warning is to aid in the prevention of similar crimes by alerting the community about the incident and to provide information which allows individuals to make informed decisions about their personal safety.
USC Department of Public Safety Recommendations
- If you feel you may be in danger, immediately go to a safe location and report the crime to law enforcement. Call DPS emergency for UPC at (213) 740-4321, for HSC call (323) 442-1000, or call 911 for LAPD.
- If you observe a crime in progress, STAY CALM AND CALL DPS emergency for UPC at (213) 740-4321, for HSC call (323) 442-1000, or call 911 for LAPD. Do not attempt to apprehend any suspects or perpetrators of crime. Your personal safety and the safety of others around you should be your primary concern.
- Not every person you meet has good intentions. Be cautious of strangers and keep a safe distance. There is safety in numbers, so travel with friends.
- Avoid using cell phones or other technology while walking as criminals target distracted, inattentive individuals using them.
- Be a good witness: It is important to recall what you observed and provide as many details as possible to law enforcement such as: the sex, race, age, height, hair color, clothing, tattoos, scars of any suspects and a description of the make and model of any vehicle used in the crime and its license plate if possible.
- Do not attempt to apprehend any suspects or perpetrators of crime.
For other options to contact DPS, report crime, and ask for help, please visit USC DPS Report a Crime.
USC Transportation provides options to travel around USC including the Lyft Rides Program:
- Get a Ride: Lyft is now available at HSC and UPC to cover shared rides. Lyft at UPC is open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week. Lyft at HSC is open from 5 p.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday only. Please visit the USC Lyft page for more information.
- Verify your driver and car: Once you have requested a Lyft ride, you can view the driver’s rating. When your ride arrives, make sure the driver’s photo, license plate number and vehicle description match. Never take a ride you did not request or get into a car that doesn’t match the details provided by the Lyft app.
- Go the extra mile : The Lyft app’s “share your ETA” function allows you to invite friends to see your trip in real-time. The app will draft a text message you can share with friends that includes your ETA and a link to a live map that allows them to track your trip. Too much effort? Call a friend and stay on the line while you’re in the car instead.
To receive more information from USC DPS, please register for TrojansAlert:
- TrojansAlert : Register for USC’s emergency notification system TrojansAlert to allow university officials to contact you during an emergency by sending messages via text message and email. (Please note that students, staff and faculty automatically are signed up for TrojansAlerts.)
For additional USC Resources, please visit USC Report & Response.
