Emergency Contact Lists and Communicating with Family During Crisis

Why Emergency Contacts Matter Now More Than Ever

In January 2024, a 17-year-old Chinese exchange student named Kai Zhuang received a phone call from cyber kidnappers claiming his family was in danger. Scammers convinced him to go into hiding and take fake kidnapping photos. His parents transferred $80,000 to Chinese bank accounts in ransom before police found him alone in a tent in Utah's canyons. Washington Post documented the incident on January 2, 2024.

This is not an isolated case. The FBI reports that government impersonation fraud schemes targeting international students cost the public over $405 million in losses from more than 17,000 complaints in 2024 alone.

Scammers impersonate US immigration officials or foreign government representatives and claim the student's visa is at risk. Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) released a public service announcement in May 2025 specifically warning Middle Eastern students in the United States about this scam type.

The 2024 FBI IC3 Annual Report documented $16.6 billion in total reported internet fraud losses from 859,532 complaints, representing a 33% increase in losses from 2023. Investment fraud led at $6.57 billion in losses, followed by Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams at $2.77 billion.

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Without proper emergency contact procedures and communication protocols, families cannot help their students, universities cannot locate students, and scammers exploit gaps in communication to extract money and personal information.

Common Threats to International Students: What to Expect

Cyber Kidnapping and Extortion

Cyber kidnapping combines phone fraud with psychological manipulation. Criminal networks contact students claiming government authorities are pursuing them. They demand the student go into hiding while simultaneously contacting family with fake "proof" of kidnapping.

The family, frightened and desperate, sends money while the student remains hidden.

Voice of America reported in 2024 that cyber kidnapping scams target Chinese students around the world.

Semafor detailed how students are forced to fake their own kidnappings.

Prevention: Never communicate about family emergencies through unsecured channels. If family calls and claims you are in danger, hang up and call them back on their established phone number. Alert family in advance that scammers may impersonate police.

Government Impersonation Fraud

Criminals call students claiming to represent ICE, CBP, the FBI, or foreign government agencies. They state the student's visa is fraudulent, they are being deported, or there is a warrant for their arrest. The student must "cooperate" by paying fines, providing personal information, or transferring money.

The FBI's IC3 received complaints from victims in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan. FBI IC3 Public Service Announcement from May 2025 warns that scammers:

• Use technology to spoof official phone numbers (appearing as +1-202-xxx-xxxx for ICE headquarters)
• Create fake official emails with government email addresses
• Demand immediate payment in cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers
• Threaten immediate deportation to force quick decisions
• Use official-sounding language and government jargon to sound legitimate

Prevention: US immigration officials never contact students by phone demanding payment. ICE and CBP do not accept payment over the phone. Call the university's international office immediately if contacted.

Fake University and Admission Scams

In April 2024, an Indian national was arrested after admitting to forging documents to gain admission to Lehigh University in Pennsylvania and obtaining a full-ride scholarship through fraud. Center for Immigration Studies documented the case.

The US government warned over 10,000 international students in 2024 after discovering a massive student visa fraud scheme involving Indian nationals and fake universities. In one case, Indian students enrolled at a "University of Farmington" in Michigan, which ICE later revealed was a fake institution created specifically to identify visa fraud rings.

Inside Higher Ed reported in January 2024 that international admission offices face widespread fraud and deceit. In Canada, over 700 Indian students were flagged in fake visa and admission frauds in 2024.

How these scams operate:

• No official office or registration number
• Guarantee admission without proper application process
• Demand full tuition upfront in cash transfers
• Discourage direct contact with universities
• Target students through WhatsApp, YouTube ads, or fake recruitment agencies
• Make false promises of guaranteed employment after graduation

The University of Washington alerted students in December 2024 about phishing emails designed to intimidate international students into responding with sensitive information like passport numbers and visa details. University of Washington International Student Services

They use similar tactics targeting students from China, India, the Middle East, and other regions, finding them through social media and university directories.

Prevention: Only apply through official university websites and NACAC member institutions. Verify university accreditation directly through SACSCOC, WASC, or the appropriate regional accreditor. Never wire money before seeing official acceptance letters and enrollment agreements.

On-Campus Crime: Property Theft and Burglary

In 2021, US degree-granting postsecondary institutions reported approximately 23,400 on-campus criminal incidents. The rate per 10,000 full-time-equivalent students was 16.9 in 2021, down from 20.0 in 2011. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) publishes the annual Report on Indicators of School Crime and Safety.

Burglary and petty theft are the most common crimes international students face on campus. Students in smaller cities (under 500,000 population) experience lower crime exposure than those at urban campuses in major metropolitan areas.

According to preliminary Q1 2024 FBI data, violent crime in US cities decreased 15.2%, robbery by 17.8%, and aggravated assault by 12.5%, but property crime remains concentrated in specific neighborhoods. FBI Crime Statistics

Prevention: Use lockers for valuables, do not leave laptops unattended in libraries, travel in groups at night, install door alarms in residence halls, and avoid isolated ATMs.

Visa Fraud and Optional Practical Training Scams

In May 2026, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced that the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program has become riddled with fraud. Businesses claim to host hundreds of OPT students, but when ICE visits the workplace, none of the students are actually working there. The businesses use the students to launder money or commit tax fraud. Washington Times

Students unknowingly participate in these schemes when they accept OPT positions from employers who never intended to hire them. The student later faces visa revocation and deportation.

Prevention: Before accepting any OPT position, verify the company's legitimacy through the Better Business Bureau, check reviews on Glassdoor, and confirm the job description with the company's HR department directly. Universities' international offices can advise on legitimate OPT employers.

Before You Leave Home: The Essential Preparation Checklist

Timeline: Start 8 Weeks Before Departure

1. Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

The US State Department operates STEP as a free service that allows US citizens and nationals traveling abroad to register their trip with the nearest US embassy or consulate. When you register, the embassy can:

• Contact you directly in a family emergency back home
• Provide safety advisories if unrest occurs in your host country
• Help expedite your return to the US if a natural disaster strikes
• Send travel alerts and security updates to your registered email

Enrollment steps:

1. Visit travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/smart-traveler-enrollment-program.html
2. Create a free account (no social security number required)
3. Enter your travel dates, accommodation, and emergency contact
4. Set your phone number and email
5. Select which country's embassy will hold your registration
6. Receive confirmation email within minutes

Cost: Free. Time required: 10 minutes. Benefit: Direct embassy contact if anything happens to you or your family.

For US students studying abroad, STEP ensures official channels know where you are. If your parents need to reach you in an emergency and they cannot find you, they can contact the US Embassy in your host country, which will attempt to locate and notify you.

Boundless Immigration Resources explains the program in detail.

2. Complete Your University's Emergency Contact Form

Universities require emergency contact forms from all students. International offices prioritize emergency forms to ensure rapid family notification and student support during crises.

Form completion checklist:

• Primary emergency contact: Parent or guardian (full name, relationship, phone, email)
• Secondary emergency contact: Sibling or grandparent (full name, relationship, phone, email)
• Tertiary emergency contact: Close family friend in home country
• US-based contact: RA, friend, or advisor (if applicable)
• Allergies and medical conditions
• Insurance policy number and provider
• Religion and spiritual care preferences
• Student visa type and SEVIS ID
• Passport number and issue/expiration dates
• Host university ID number
• Current residence address in host country
• University of origin contact person

Submission deadline: Most universities require forms 2 weeks before classes begin.

Eastern Connecticut State University published its Global Learning Emergency Playbook in December 2023, detailing how universities activate emergency protocols.

3. Create a Personal Family Emergency Communication Plan

Write a detailed plan and share printed and digital copies with your parents and siblings. Include:

In English and your home language:

• Your full legal name and student ID
• University emergency number (24/7)
• Campus security non-emergency line
• Local police non-emergency number
• Nearest hospital name and address
• International office email and phone
• Your residence hall address and phone
• Your personal phone number and email
• Embassy contact (phone and address)
• Insurance provider and policy number

Protocol if you cannot be reached:

• Family should contact campus security, not local police
• International office will notify family within 4 hours of serious incident
• Media inquiries go through university communications, not family
• University will provide daily updates until student is located

Family should NOT:

• Post on social media about emergency
• Contact media without university permission
• Share your personal information with strangers claiming to help
• Pay money to anyone claiming to hold you

4. Memorize Critical Phone Numbers

Before departure, write down and memorize these numbers. Store them in your phone, email, and a notebook.

United States Emergency Numbers:

• Emergency (police, fire, ambulance): 911
• Campus security non-emergency: [Your university's security office]
• International office: [Your university's international office]
• Nearest US Embassy: +1-202-501-4000 (main State Department line; ask for your country's embassy)
• FBI tip line: 1-800-CALL-FBI
• IC3 fraud reporting: www.ic3.gov

United Kingdom Emergency Numbers:

• Emergency (police, fire, ambulance): 999 or 112
• Campus security: [Your university's security office]
• International office: [Your university's international office]
• US Embassy London: +44-20-7499-9000
• National Fraud Intelligence Bureau: 0300-123-2040

Australia Emergency Numbers:

• Emergency (police, fire, ambulance): 000
• Campus security: [Your university's security office]
• International office: [Your university's international office]
• US Embassy Canberra: +61-2-6214-5600
• DFAT Consular Emergency Centre: +61-2-6261-3305

Cyber Kidnapping Red Flag Protocol:

If anyone calls claiming you are in danger, in custody, or have been kidnapped, immediately:

1. Hang up the phone
2. Call your parent or guardian back on their established phone number
3. Contact campus security
4. Report to international office
5. File a report with local police and IC3

During Your Study Abroad Period: Active Safety Practices

Week One Upon Arrival

By the end of your first week, you should have completed these steps:

Day 1-2: Check in with international office in person

• Confirm enrollment
• Provide final accommodation address
• Get emergency contact card with all office numbers
• Ask about crime in the area and safe walking routes
• Pick up campus safety map

Day 3-4: Register with embassy if not US-based student

• Visit embassy or consulate website
• Complete registration form online
• Add your local address and phone number
• Save embassy contact info in your phone
• Print confirmation letter and keep copy

Day 5-6: Visit local police station in person

• Locate non-emergency police station near campus
• Introduce yourself and explain you are an international student
• Get non-emergency number and hours
• Ask about reporting procedures if needed
• Note neighborhood crime areas to avoid

Day 7: Update university with final details

• Confirm address and phone in student information system
• Add local phone number if you obtained one
• Provide updated emergency contact if necessary
• Enroll in university alert system if available

Ongoing Monthly Practices

Check in with family: Schedule a weekly call at a set time. If you miss the call, family should contact you first, then the international office. Skipping calls creates unnecessary concern and resembles the disappearance scams.

Monitor your financial accounts: Check bank accounts weekly for unauthorized transactions. Scammers may have obtained your information during application. Report suspicious activity immediately.

Update STEP registration: If you change accommodation or travel to another country, update STEP within 24 hours. The embassy will have incorrect information if you move without updating.

Attend international student orientation: Universities hold safety briefings each semester. Attend these sessions for updated threat information and new emergency procedures.

Know your visa details: Understand your visa conditions, work authorization limits, and travel restrictions. Students violating visa terms face deportation. USC Office of International Services issued warnings in February 2025 to students about scammers targeting visa violations.

Crisis Communication: Immediate Action Steps

If You Are in Immediate Danger

US, UK, Australia:

1. Call emergency services (911 in US, 999/112 in UK, 000 in Australia)
2. State your location clearly and describe the threat
3. After police arrive, immediately contact campus security
4. Call international office (may be after-hours; leave voicemail)
5. Text or email a trusted friend or family member with your location

Do not try to handle the situation yourself. Do not negotiate with attackers. Emergency services are trained for this.

If You Are Missing or Cannot Be Located

For your family:

Universities follow these steps when students cannot be located:

1. Campus security conducts a welfare check at residence
2. International office attempts to reach you by phone and email
3. If no contact within 24 hours, local police are contacted
4. University notifies parents at emergency contact number
5. University may contact US Embassy or consulate in host country
6. University activates crisis communication plan and provides family updates every 24 hours

For the student (if you disappear voluntarily):

Do not disappear without notifying anyone. Voluntary absence triggers the same response as abduction. Universities must investigate all missing students equally.

If you need privacy or time away, inform at least one trusted friend or staff member where you will be and when you will contact them again. Disappearing causes family stress, triggers police investigations, and wastes university resources. Leave a note saying you are safe but need time alone.

If You Are Arrested or Detained

Consular notification applies to international students:

The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations requires notification of foreign nationals' arrest or detention. The US must notify your country's embassy within 24-72 hours of arrest.

Your rights:

1. You have the right to contact your embassy
2. You have the right to a lawyer (if applicable in that jurisdiction)
3. You have the right to refuse to answer questions
4. You have the right to request an interpreter
5. Your arrest will not automatically void your visa (in most cases)

Steps to take:

1. Ask police officer: "I want to contact my embassy"
2. Provide your passport and SEVIS ID number
3. Give the officer your emergency contact information
4. Do not sign documents without understanding them or speaking to a lawyer
5. Contact international office as soon as possible

Police Chief Magazine explains consular notification procedures in detail. State Department consular officers can advise you on your legal rights in that country.

If You Experience Medical Emergency

For hospitalization:

Universities maintain hospital contact lists. Campus security or international office will:

1. Locate and identify you at the hospital
2. Notify your emergency contacts
3. Provide medical information to your family if you authorize it
4. Assist with medical translations
5. Contact your insurance provider
6. Help arrange flights home if necessary

Before an emergency:

• Register your travel insurance with the university
• Carry insurance card on you at all times
• Inform health center of any serious medical conditions
• Provide medication list to international office (optional)
• Know the hospital name and address near campus

Insurance during study abroad: Most universities require students to purchase international health insurance before arrival. This covers medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation if necessary. Cost ranges from $800-$2,000 per year depending on the plan.

Cornell's insurance provider offers a 24/7 emergency assistance line at +1-215-942-8478 for students in all locations. Global Cornell provides emergency contact information for traveling students.

Official Reporting Channels: Where to Report Fraud and Crime

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

For: Online fraud, phishing, government impersonation, financial scams Website: www.ic3.gov How to report:

1. Visit IC3 website
2. Click "File a Complaint"
3. Choose complaint type (impersonation, phishing, etc.)
4. Provide detailed account of what happened with dates and amounts
5. Attach screenshots or email evidence
6. Receive complaint number for your records

Timeline: IC3 forwards complaints to appropriate federal agencies. You will not receive individual response, but your report helps identify fraud patterns. Reports generate public service announcements like the May 2025 alert about government impersonation targeting Middle Eastern students FBI IC3 2024 Annual Report

Cost: Free Time required: 20-30 minutes

Local Police Non-Emergency Line

For: On-campus theft, assault, harassment, stalking, fraud affecting you directly

In most US jurisdictions, call the non-emergency police number (not 911) to report crimes that are not happening right now. This routes your case to a detective or community officer rather than emergency response.

How to report:

1. Call non-emergency police (get number from campus security)
2. Describe the crime, date, time, and location
3. Provide description of suspect if applicable
4. Ask for a case number
5. Request written crime report

Timeline: Police will take a report. Response time for investigations depends on crime severity and police workload. Property crimes (theft, burglary) may take weeks to investigate. Violent crimes are prioritized.

Cost: Free Time required: 20-45 minutes

University Campus Security and International Office

For: Any crime involving campus, safety concerns, missing person, crisis notification

Campus security is your first contact point for any campus-related incident. International office coordinates family notification and provides advocacy.

How to report:

1. Go to campus security office or call security hotline
2. Describe the incident and safety concern
3. Ask to speak with international student advocate
4. Request written incident report
5. Provide emergency contact authorization

Timeline: Campus security responds within minutes if crime is in progress, within hours for non-emergency reports. International office follows up within 24 hours.

Cost: Free Time required: 30 minutes to 1 hour

National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) in UK

For: Fraud, scams, phishing affecting UK-based students

Website: Visit NFIB portal through Action Fraud How to report:

1. Contact Action Fraud (England, Wales, Northern Ireland) at 0300-123-2040
2. Or visit NATOFraud portal for Scotland
3. Report the scam with details about the perpetrator
4. Receive crime reference number

Timeline: Reports are analyzed to identify fraud patterns. You will receive acknowledgment but typically not individual investigation updates.

Cost: Free Time required: 20-30 minutes

Australian Scamwatch

For: Fraud, scams, phishing affecting Australian-based students

Website: www.scamwatch.gov.au How to report:

1. Visit Scamwatch online or call 1300-795-995
2. Report the scam with full details
3. Receive report confirmation

Cost: Free Time required: 15-20 minutes

Embassy or Consulate

For: Serious crimes affecting your visa status, arrest, missing person requiring international coordination, family emergency requiring communication

Embassy consular officers can:

• Provide information about your legal rights
• Contact your family in an emergency
• Advise on visa implications of crimes
• Provide lists of local lawyers
• Help with documentation needed for immigration
• Assist with emergency travel home

How to contact your embassy:

1. Search "[Your country] embassy [Host country]"
2. Call the consular emergency line (usually published on embassy website)
3. Provide your passport number and situation
4. Request appointment or phone consultation

Timeline: Emergency hotlines answer 24/7. Consular officers respond within hours for serious matters. Standard inquiries may take 2-3 business days.

Cost: Some services free (emergency notification), some may have fees (visa applications, notarization)

Practical Tools: Apps and Platforms for Crisis Communication

Emergency Contact and Notification Apps

My SOS Family Emergency Alert App

• Features: Encrypted messaging to family, location sharing, emergency alert button
• Platform: iOS and Android
• Cost: Free app, optional premium features
• How it helps: One-touch notification to family that you are in danger
• Limitation: Works only if you have data/phone signal

Download from Apple App Store or Google Play as "My SOS Family Emergency Alert."

SirenGPS

• Features: Panic alert sends location to family via text and voice call, emergency button, location tracking
• Platform: iOS and Android
• Cost: Free basic version
• How it helps: Family receives location coordinates immediately when you hit panic button
• Limitation: Requires location services enabled

Useful for students walking alone at night or in unfamiliar areas.

Everbridge University Emergency Communication System

Many universities implement Everbridge to send emergency alerts directly to students' phones. Check if your university uses Everbridge.

• Features: Campus-wide emergency alerts sent as push notification and text
• Cost: Free to all enrolled students
• How it helps: You receive alerts if there is an active threat on campus
• Action required: Download the Everbridge app and enable push notifications

EMMA (Emergency Management and Mobility Assessment)

Some universities use EMMA for emergency communication. Accounts typically created automatically during enrollment.

• Features: Emergency alerts, accountability check-ins, two-way messaging with emergency coordinators
• Cost: Included with tuition
• How it helps: University can account for all students during a crisis and provide real-time updates

Check with your university's emergency preparedness office to see which system is deployed.

Family Communication and Crisis Planning Platforms

TalkTablet or FamilyAlbum

• Features: Family group messaging, shared photos, calendar coordination
• Cost: Free or low-cost premium
• How it helps: Establishes regular family communication so you know how to reach family in emergencies
• Note: Not emergency-focused, but creates communication habit

ICE Contacts Built Into Phone

Add "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) contacts to your phone's contact list. First responders check ICE contacts when they find an unresponsive person.

• How to set up: In contacts, add an entry labeled "ICE - Mom" with parent's phone number, "ICE - Dad," etc.
• Cost: Free
• How it helps: First responders know who to call if you are hospitalized or unconscious

Crisis Communication Platforms Used by Universities

CrisisGo

Universities like Princeton and Stanford use CrisisGo to manage emergencies.

• Features: Real-time situation updates, two-way communication between students and emergency coordinators, location check-ins
• Cost: Included with tuition
• How it helps: During an active incident, you receive real-time information and can request help through the app

Ruvna

Some universities deploy Ruvna for safety and crisis communication.

• Features: Student safety app with mobile panic button, two-way emergency messaging
• Cost: Included with tuition
• How it helps: One-touch emergency contact with campus security, two-way messaging with emergency responders

Check with your university about which platform is deployed.

Family's Role: What Your Family Should Know and Do

Before You Leave

Parents and guardians should:

1. Read all documents you provide about emergency procedures
2. Memorize the university emergency number
3. Know your SEVIS ID and passport number
4. Understand the difference between campus security and local police
5. Know which country the university is in and time zone differences
6. Keep passport copies in a safe location
7. Enroll in travel insurance that covers family emergency travel (if available)
8. Take screenshots of your university's emergency contact page

During Your Studies

Family should:

1. Maintain weekly contact on a set schedule
2. Immediately contact campus security if they cannot reach you after 24 hours
3. Not attempt to contact local police on their own; instead, ask the international office for help
4. Not believe phone callers claiming to represent government or law enforcement without verification
5. Not send money in response to emergency calls
6. Keep records of all contact attempts and responses from the university

If a Crisis Occurs

If your family cannot reach you or hears news of an emergency in your city, they should:

1. Contact your university's international office immediately by phone
2. Provide your full legal name, student ID, and date of birth
3. Ask to activate the emergency contact protocol
4. Request hourly updates if you are missing
5. Do not contact local police without guidance from the international office
6. Do not post about the situation on social media
7. Do not speak to media without university permission
8. Do not send money to anyone claiming to hold you

Universities have trained protocols for family communication during crises. Following university guidance ensures coordinated response and accurate information flow.

StudentsAbroad.com provides crisis management guidance for study abroad families.

Scam Avoidance: The Complete Prevention Checklist

Before You Arrive in Your Host Country

Use this checklist to protect yourself from scams during the application and visa process.

Application and Admission Scams Prevention:

• Apply only through official university websites (verify domain name carefully)
• Confirm university accreditation through SACSCOC , WASC , or appropriate regional accreditor
• Never transfer money before receiving official acceptance letter and enrollment agreement
• Never provide passport or credit card information before acceptance
• Verify any scholarship offer through official university financial aid office
• Never apply through recruitment agencies claiming they guarantee admission
• Avoid agencies offering "visa guarantees" or "instant approval"
• Confirm university phone and address by calling the main campus number and asking international office to repeat phone number
• Check for official email domains (edu addresses in US, ac.uk in UK, edu.au in Australia)
• Never pay application fees to third-party payment processors; pay directly to university

Visa and Immigration Scams Prevention:

• Never work with "visa consultants" who claim they can expedite visa processing
• Do not believe "visa agency guarantees" for faster processing
• Never send original documents through email or untracked mail
• Verify visa requirements only through official government websites (.gov or official country domain)
• Never pay visa agency fees; visa processing is free through official channels
• Keep copies of all visa documents in a secure location
• Verify visa status through official government portals, not email links

During Your Stay: Ongoing Prevention

Financial Scams Prevention:

• Never share your bank account password or PIN
• Do not open email attachments from unknown senders
• Verify URLs before entering login information (check for HTTPS and correct domain)
• Enable two-factor authentication on bank accounts and university accounts
• Check bank statements weekly for unauthorized transactions
• Report any suspicious activity to your bank immediately
• Use campus ATMs and bank ATMs in well-lit areas during daytime

Government Impersonation Scams Prevention:

• Know that US immigration officials will NOT call you demanding immediate payment
• Know that ICE and CBP do not accept payment over phone or cryptocurrency
• Know that genuine immigration correspondence comes by certified mail, not email links
• If contacted by someone claiming to be government, hang up and call the official number from the government website
• Never provide personal information over phone to unsolicited callers
• Report government impersonation attempts to FBI IC3

Cyber Kidnapping Prevention:

• Tell family in advance that scammers may impersonate police
• Establish a code word or phrase family can use to verify authenticity in emergency calls
• Ensure family knows you will contact them if you are actually in danger
• Do not send photos of yourself to unknown contacts online
• Do not post your exact location on social media
• Do not post content from your university accommodation or campus
• Be skeptical of calls from "government" claiming family is in danger
• Never comply with instructions to hide or go underground

Dating and Romance Scams Prevention:

• Be cautious of new online relationships that move very quickly
• Never send money to people you have never met in person
• Verify identity through video call (not just photos)
• Do not share financial information with online romantic interests
• Watch for inconsistencies in their story or excuses for not meeting
• Trust your instincts; if something feels off, it probably is

On-Campus Safety Prevention:

• Do not leave laptops, phones, or valuables unattended
• Use lockers for belongings in libraries and gyms
• Do not accept drinks from unopened bottles at parties
• Travel in groups, especially at night
• Trust your instincts about people and situations
• Report suspicious behavior to campus security
• Vary your daily routes and schedules
• Do not advertise expensive electronics or cash

Sample Emergency Contact Document to Share with Family

Print this template, complete it, and give copies to your parents, siblings, and close relatives.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT EMERGENCY CONTACT DOCUMENT

Student Information:

• Full Legal Name: ____________________
• Student ID Number: ____________________
• Passport Number: ____________________
• Date of Birth: ____________________
• Visa Type: ____________________

Current Address:

• University Name: ____________________
• Residence Hall: ____________________
• Street Address: ____________________
• City, Country: ____________________
• Phone Number: ____________________

University Emergency Contacts (24/7):

• International Office: ____________________
• Campus Security: ____________________
• Student Health Services: ____________________
• Counseling Center: ____________________

Local Emergency Numbers:

• Police (Emergency): ____________________
• Police (Non-Emergency): ____________________
• Ambulance: ____________________
• Hospital Name: ____________________

Embassy/Consulate:

• Embassy/Consulate Name: ____________________
• Address: ____________________
• Emergency Hotline: ____________________

If I Cannot Be Reached:

1. Contact campus security first, not local police
2. Campus security will attempt to locate me
3. International office will notify family within 4 hours
4. Do not send money without verification from university
5. Do not post on social media
6. Ask international office for next steps

If Someone Claims I Am in Danger:

1. Hang up immediately
2. Call my cell phone: ____________________
3. Call my parent: ____________________
4. Contact campus security: ____________________
5. I will contact you if I am actually in danger

If I Am Arrested or Detained:

1. I have the right to contact the embassy
2. Do not post about this on social media
3. Contact embassy for lawyer recommendations
4. Contact international office for visa status information

Key Takeaways: Remember This

1. Cyber kidnapping is real. The Kai Zhuang case in January 2024 cost his family $80,000. Ensure family knows not to send money without direct verification.

2. Government impersonation costs students $405 million per year. The FBI warns that scammers pose as ICE, CBP, or foreign officials. US immigration officials never demand phone payment.

3. Fake universities prey on international students. Apply only through official channels. Verify accreditation. Do not pay fees to recruitment agencies.

4. Register with STEP before you leave. This free enrollment ensures the US Embassy contacts you if family has an emergency back home.

5. Complete your university's emergency contact form. Universities cannot notify family without this form. Do it 2 weeks before arrival.

6. Memorize three phone numbers. Campus security, international office, and emergency police. Do not rely on phone contacts alone.

7. Tell family the scam warning signs. Teach them that governments do not demand payment over phone and police do not threaten deportation via email.

8. Keep your visa documentation safe. Immigration violations impact your status. Report any fraud involving your visa to the international office.

9. Call campus security for any crime. Do not attempt to navigate the local police system alone. Campus security coordinates with local authorities.

10. Maintain weekly contact with family. Regular communication prevents false emergencies. If you miss a call, family should contact you, then the international office.

Sources and Additional Resources

Government and Official University Resources:

• US Department of State: Student Emergencies
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
• International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Emergency Contacts
• Cornell Global Emergency Contact
• USC Office of International Services: Emergency Contact Information
• Stanford Immigration Emergency Contact

Crime and Safety Statistics:

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES): Report on Indicators of School Crime and Safety 2024
• NCES: Postsecondary Criminal Incidents
• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) 2024 Annual Report
• FBI IC3 Government Impersonation Alert May 2025

Fraud and Scam Incidents:

• Washington Post: Missing Chinese Exchange Student Found After Cyber Kidnapping (January 2024)
• Voice of America: Cyber Kidnapping Scams Target Chinese Students Around the World (2024)
• Center for Immigration Studies: Foreign Student Fraud Case Highlights Serious Problems
• Inside Higher Ed: International Admission Offices Plagued by Fraud and Deceit (January 2024)
• Washington Times: ICE Reveals Nationwide Student Visa Fraud (May 2026)
• USC: Warning Scammers Targeting International Students (February 2025)
• University of Washington: Alert New Scam Targets International Students (December 2024)

Crisis Management and Family Communication:

• Eastern Connecticut State University: Global Learning Emergency Playbook (December 2023)
• University of Louisville: Crisis Management Protocol
• StudentsAbroad.com: Crisis Management
• ISEP Study Abroad: Emergencies and Crisis Awareness

UK and International Emergency Procedures:

• University of Nottingham: Emergency Contact Protocol
• University of Bristol: Student Emergency Contact
• Study Australia: On-Campus and Local Support
• University of Melbourne: What to Do in an Emergency

Police and Fraud Reporting:

• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
• FBI: 2024 Annual Internet Crime Report
• Police Chief Magazine: Consular Notification and Access in Law Enforcement
• UK Action Fraud National Fraud Intelligence Bureau
• Australian Scamwatch

International Student Safety Guides:

• Texas Tech University: Scams Used Against International Students
• Stanford: Fraud Alert: Scams Targeting International Students and Scholars
• Texas State University: Examples of Common Scams and Frauds
• Immihelp: Safety and Security for International Students in 2025