Campus Security is warning Brock students to be wary of a recent scam being seen across Ontario.

While there have been no reported incidents in Niagara, international students in other areas of the province have been targeted by scammers running a fake kidnapping scheme.

Victims are told to go into hiding without contacting the police or telling anyone where they’re going. They are told their family in their home country will be harmed if they don’t comply.

The scammer then tells the victim’s parents their child has been kidnapped and demands a ransom.

“Given the number of international students we have here at Brock from all over the world, we felt it was important to be proactive,” said Karl Thorp, Campus Security Senior Platoon Supervisor. “We want to give our students information about how to respond to those calls if they ever happen.”

Thorp advised students to contact Niagara Regional Police if they receive a call of this nature. If it happens on campus, students can also call Campus Security at x3200.

Emergency contact information is easily accessible through the Brock Security app.

Thorp encouraged students to remain in contact with their families to reduce the risk they will become victims of this scam. He also reminded the Brock community to contact Campus Security or police should they witness any suspicious activity.