Miami University student loses $116,000 to ICE agent scam

OXFORD, Ohio (WKRC) – A 22-year-old Miami University student has fallen victim to an elaborate scam.

According to local police, he lost $116,000 after being tricked by a caller posing as an ICE agent.

“I think it just started snowballing, and he just believed everything they said and was just filled with fear,” said Lt. Lara Fening of the Oxford Police Department.

The scam started with a phone call to the student, who immigrated to the United States from Vietnam. The caller claimed to be an ICE agent and threatened deportation.

“Somehow they got his phone number and he got a call from a so-called ICE agent saying he was a suspect in a money laundering case in Washington,” Fening said.

Fening said the student was scared and complied with the caller’s demands, believing he would have to pay an immigration bond. A scammer, who then posed as a university police officer, instructed the student to visit multiple banks and purchase nearly $20,000 worth of gift cards.

“He had to pay this immigration bond, which totaled about $116,000,” Fening said.

A total of $97,000 in cash was sent to Bitcoin ATMs in the area, while the rest was paid through gift cards. The student missed a week of classes and was instructed not to discuss the situation with anyone.

“It’s easy to get caught up in fear, but they need to take a step back,” Fening said. “If something sounds strange or suspicious, take a step back, take a deep breath and think about it. Ask a trusted friend or family member.”

The victim continues to receive calls from the scammers, but Oxford Police are working with him to prevent further losses.