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Safety Information and Resources

(This page has a friendly link that is easy to remember: iSafety.ucsd.edu)

This page offers a review of emergency resources, scam information, and ways to ensure your safety at UC San Diego.

Emergency Resources

Find important information about resources available in emergency situations. Note that In the event of a campus emergency, emergency.ucsd.edu will be updated with details and instructions. 

In Emergencies (Medical, Crime, Fire, or Other), Call 911
911 is the nationwide emergency number, and you can dial 911 from any phone. Be prepared to report details (what the emergency is and the exact location/address) to the police.

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Nationwide Emergency Number: 911

In the event of an emergency, call 911. Should you ever need to call, be ready to report details, including what the emergency is and the exact location (address) of the emergency.

Calling 911 is the fastest why to get help. You can also text to 911 In San Diego County (including UC San Diego). Texting 911 may be the better option if you are:

  • hard of hearing, non-verbal or have difficulty speaking
  • in a situation where it's not safe to call 911 for help
  • having a medical emergency and cannot speak on the phone 

UC San Diego Emergency Numbers:

Contact the UC San Diego police for on-campus emergencies: (858) 534-4357
UCSD's off-campus number with recorded update on campus conditions: (888) 308-8273

Additional Resources:

San Diego Resources:

State, Federal, and International Resources:

Crisis Hotlines:

Telephone lines that can be called to find information during times of crisis:

AIDS Hotline (800) 367-2437
Child Abuse Hotline (800) 344-6000
Mental Health/Depression/Suicide Hotline (888) 724-7240
National Suicide Prevention Hotline 988
Poison Information Center (800) 222-1222
Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-7233
Rape Hotline (800) 656-4673
Gambling Addiction Hotline (800) 426-2537
Planned Parenthood (888) 743-7526

Annual Security Report:

UC San Diego publishes an annual campus security report (Clery Report) which includes data regarding crime statistics on and around campus for the past three years. For information on these statistics visit UC San Diego Police's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report page.

Campus Emergency Notifications:

Note that In the event of a campus emergency, emergency.ucsd.edu will be updated with details and instructions. 

Registration for emergency notifications is voluntary and open to international students and scholars. Register online for UC San Diego emergency notifications (you will receive phone or text messages to numbers you specify).

Campus Safety Escort Service:

The UCSD Campus Police provides a Campus Safety Escort Service (to request someone to accompany you) to and from campus locations at night. Safety escort service is offered year-round (365 days) from sunset to 4:00am.

  • Call (858) 534-9255 or (858) 534-WALK.
  • Use the Tapride app, available for download on iPhone/iPad and Android

Emergencies During ISEO Business Hours:
ISEO is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (excluding holidays). For immigration-related emergencies, please contact our emergency phone number (858) 534-3730.

Emergencies After-Hours or During Holiday Closures:
The UC San Diego Police department can be contacted at (858) 534-4357 with immigration-related emergencies when ISEO is closed. The UC San Diego Police department will contact an ISEO staff member to assist you with your immigration-related emergency.

Medical Emergencies:

During a medical emergency, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Room or Urgent Care facility. A medical emergency is generally defined as a sudden, serious and unexpected illness, injury or condition, including severe pain, requiring immediate medical attention. 

The Urgent Care Clinic located near campus:

La Jolla Urgent Care
8910 Villa La Jolla Drive
La Jolla, CA 92037
800-926-8273
Map and Directions

The Emergency Rooms located near campus are:
UC San Diego La Jolla Emergency
Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center
9434 Medical Center Drive 
La Jolla CA, 92037
858-657-7600
UC San Diego Hillcrest Emergency
UC San Diego Medical Center
200 W. Arbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92103
619-543-6222
Map and directions
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla ER
Level II Trauma Center
(Located inside Prebys Cardiovascular Institute)
9888 Genesee Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-626-4123

Emergency Preparedness

Campus leaders will use the campus-wide emergency system to notify you in the event of an emergency affecting campus. Experts advise that staff, faculty and students prepare to be on their own for up to 72 hours should an emergency or disaster occur. Emergency Supplies should include food, water and other supplies

For more information on emergency preparedness, please visit the following links:

Earthquake Preparedness:

California is vulnerable to earthquakes. Most people can survive an earthquake and minimize its damage simply by becoming aware of potential hazards and taking some basic earthquake preparedness measures. Prepare an earthquake kit with food and water, flashlight, radio, extra batteries, and a first aid kit.

Since earthquakes strike without warning, it’s important to act now! Knowing that you know what to do (and what not to do) before, during, and after a quake, however strong, will assist in keeping you safe.

Here are a few points to remember during an earthquake:

  • If there is an earthquake, get under something, such as a desk or table. Your back should be to the window.
  • Protect your face and try to make your body as small as possible.
  • If you are outside, try to move to an open area away from trees, power lines, or objects which could fall.
  • If you are in an automobile, stop in an open area if possible.
  • If you are home, check utility lines and appliances for damage that could cause a fire. Do not touch electrical wires.
  • Turn on your radio for information.
  • Be prepared for aftershocks. Although most of these are smaller than the main shock, some may be large enough to cause additional damage or injuries.

For more information, visit UC San Diego’s Earthquake Safety page.

Crime Prevention:

Just like many places around the world, it is always a good idea to be careful about crime anywhere. Basic keys to safety in unfamiliar places are knowledge and prevention. With sufficient knowledge about how to protect yourself and your property, and how to avoid taking unnecessary risks, it is possible to better prevent being a victim of crime. Safety behaviors include:

  • Never carry large sums of money. Never tempt a thief by displaying money in public. All large amounts of money brought from your home country should be deposited in a bank shortly after arriving in the U.S.
  • Never leave valuable things visible in a car. Items like luggage, cameras, and so on, are tempting to criminals and easy to steal. If needed, hide valuables in the trunk of the car.
  • There are pickpockets in any large city in the world. Pickpockets are skilled at identifying vulnerable people who may be displaying valuables, and then coming close enough to steal the valuables without being noticed. Handbags should be kept closed; wallets should be protected. Bags or backpacks left unattended may be stolen.
  • Report any incidents of robbery or harassment on campus to the Campus Police by using the blue courtesy phones located around campus. Call 911 for EMERGENCIES whether on-campus or off- campus.
  • Some areas of San Diego are safer than others. Check with friends about the areas to avoid. There is a difference in Day Safety and Night Safety: some places are safe during daylight, but less safe at night.
  • There is safety in numbers in the city, especially at night. Going out with friends is safer than going out alone. When someone knocks on the door, make sure you know who it is before opening the door. Keep curtains closed at night and when no one is home, so people cannot look inside.
  • Always lock the door and windows of the house/apartment/room and car, even if leaving for only a minute.
  • Have keys ready upon entering your house or apartment.
  • Be cautious about giving out a personal address or telephone number to unfamiliar people.
  • Always remember to dial 911 for fire, police, or ambulance services. Keep this number near the phone.
  • If meeting someone for the first time or from the internet:
    • Meet in a public place and do not return to anyone’s home.
    • Tell a friend your plans and that you will let them know you are safe when the meeting is finished. If possible, bring a friend with you to meet someone for the first time.
    • Plan ahead so that you have your own transportation. Do not accept rides home.
    • If someone is pressuring you into doing something you don’t want to do, you have the right to say no and leave.
    • If the person you are meeting with tries to give you alcohol or drugs, do not accept.
    • Do not give identifying information in your online profile or during the first few meetings, specifically: full name, address, birthdate.
    • Always report suspicious behavior to the authorities (e.g. site administrators, police).
  • Regardless of your visa status, you always have the right to report any crimes.
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Be Cautious of Scams

The UC San Diego Police Department has seen an increase in scams targeting the UC San Diego community. Please review the following information to protect yourself.

Beware of Immigration Status Scams

Have you received a call threatening your immigration status? It’s a scam! ISEO will contact you directly if there’s any issue with your SEVIS record. Don't provide personal or financial information. If you're concerned, we encourage you to come speak to our office.  

What to Do:
  • Verify: Ask them to provide a callback number and to send their request and information to you in writing.
  • Protect Your Info: Never share financial or personal data. Government agencies will never ask for any form of payment (including gift cards) to avoid arrest.
  • Seek Help: If you feel unsafe or suspect criminal activity, call UC San Diego Police (Non-emergency: 858-534-4357).
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Protect Your Personal Identity:

Be wary of giving your personal information to a person, agency, or company that contacts you (as opposed to a company that you directly initiate contact with). If anyone contacts you and asks you to pay or send them money using Bitcoin, wire transfer, or pre‐paid cards of any sort, this is probably a scam. If anyone calls asking for payment due to your involvement in a criminal case, hang up the phone and call your local police department.

Government agencies and ISEO will not typically call you. If they do, they will not ask for money or information over the phone. If you are unsure a call is legitimate, ISEO can help you confirm. Remember to ask for the name of the caller and the agency!

  • The IRS and police will NEVER ask for any form of payment, including gift cards, to avoid an arrest.
  • Government agencies and ISEO will NOT request personal information via text messages.

Never share personal or financial information over the phone with someone you do not know. Use these general safety tips to keep your information secure:

  • Ask the person to give you a number you can call to verify his/her identity and ask the person to send you any information they would like you to consider in writing.
  • Never give your Social Security number, date of birth, mother’s maiden name, credit/debit card number, bank PIN codes or passwords.
  • Keep your important papers secure, shred documents with sensitive information before you put them in the trash, and limit the personal information you carry with you in your wallet, purse, or bag.
  • Pick up your mail daily to minimize the risk of it being stolen. 
  • Maintain appropriate security on your computers and other electronic devices. Never give out personal information unless you are using a secure website. You may determine if a website is secure by looking at the beginning of the web address in your browser's address bar. It should read "https://" instead of "http://". You may also look to the bottom right of your screen for a padlock symbol.
  • Do not conduct business over the phone with callers you do not know.
  • Always be suspicious of phone calls from unknown individuals or phone numbers that you do not recognize. Recognize that legitimate telephone numbers can be ‘spoofed’. If in doubt, you can look up the real phone numbers and call these numbers back yourself.

How to Report Scams:

  • If you cannot verify the caller’s identity, feel unsafe, or suspect criminal activity, call the UC San Diego Police Department: Non-emergency help line, (858) 534‐4357.
  • Report immigration scams to US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) by completing the online form at the USCIS Avoid Scams website. 
  • Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission.

Additional Resources:

 

Immigrants all over the country are being targeted in scams. Don’t be one of the victims!

Many people offer help with immigration services. Unfortunately, not all are authorized to do so, and the wrong help can hurt. Sometimes people are just trying to get personal information from you. Scammers may call or email you, pretending to be a government official. They will say that there is a problem with an application or additional information is required to continue the immigration process. They will then ask for personal and sensitive details, and demand payment to fix any problems. 

This is against the law and may be considered an immigration services scam. USCIS/USDHS or other US government agencies DO NOT call international visitors asking for money or request to meet at locations other than the agency itself. If they need payment, they will mail a letter on official stationery requesting payment.

Please be aware of this scam targeting international students and scholars and report any incidents immediately. Remember reporting scams will not affect your immigration status or pending applications. Also, many US states allow you to report scams anonymously. See examples of common scams.

Extortion Scams:

Some phone scams threaten individuals with an arrest, if they fail to meet the scammer’s demands. This may include threats of arrests of international students from police in their country of origin. The phone call usually starts with an automated message. The person could identify themselves as a U.S. government employee claiming to have an open case involving the victim in criminal activity or claiming that the victim's social security number has been used for illegal activity. The caller then:

  • Threatens the victim with an arrest and imprisonment, or future visa denial.
  • Asks the victim:
    • For their date of birth and social security number to check if they have been a victim of identity theft, "confirms” that the victim's identity has been stolen and then advises the victim to secure their funds by withdrawing their money, converting it to Bitcoin and sending it to the caller, or
    • To purchase several gift cards (e.g., GameStop, Home Depot, etc.) and provide the serial numbers via text, or
    • Demands the victim wire transfer funds to banks overseas as a way of proving their innocence.

 

 

I-901 SEVIS Fee Scams

  • Prospective students must pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee at FMJFee.com. This is the only federal website certified to correct I-901 SEVIS Fee payments. 
  • If you receive any phone calls from a person attempting to collect an I-901 SEVIS Fee or any other payment on behalf of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or SEVP, hang up immediately and call your local Police Department. Then you should contact ISEO.
    • Fraudulent callers may inquire about student immigration information such as their Alien Registration Number or ask for money. Do not give the caller any personal information, attempt to transfer funds to the scammer, or release any financial or banking information.   
  • Be wary of third-party agents that offer to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee on your behalf. 

Common Legal Scams:

How to Report Scams:

  • Report the incident to the UC San Diego Police Department by calling 858-534-4357,  or submitting an online reporting form.
  • Report immigration scams to US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) by completing the online form at the USCIS Avoid Scams website. 
  • If you receive a scam email or phone call, report it to the Federal Trade Commission.
  • If you are not sure if it is a scam, forward the suspicious email to the USCIS Webmaster at uscis.webmaster@uscis.dhs.gov. USCIS will review the emails received and share with law enforcement agencies as appropriate
  • If you have a question about your immigration record, call customer service at 800-375-5283 or make an InfoPass appointment with USCIS.
  • Visit the Avoid Scams Initiative for more information on common scams and other important tips.

Tuition Payment Scams:

There has been an increase in online scams which target college students by promising reduction in tuition if a third-party service is used to pay their fees. Students attending institutions across the United States, including UC San Diego, have been impacted by these online tuition scams. International students have been targeted more frequently, and scammers have especially targeted students using the popular app, WeChat. Scammers often promise an approximate 5% discount in tuition, and victims are asked to provide their university credentials and their credit card information.

The best way to protect yourself from these scams is to never share your online credentials with anyone. You should also only use payment methods approved by UC San Diego, and advise parents and authorized payers not to respond to third-party solicitations.

Contact Student Financial Solutions via the Services and Support Portal immediately if you have questions about a potential tuition discount or an alternative form of payment that’s not included on the list of ways to pay your bill located on this Student Financial Solutions webpage.

Please visit Student Financial Solutions’ Avoiding Online Tuition Scams page to read more about online tuitions scams and how to protect yourself.

Be aware of phone scams where callers claim to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and threaten to have a person arrested or deported for owing taxes.

Even if you do owe taxes, the IRS will never:

  • Call and demand immediate payment over the phone;
  • Demand payment with a prepaid debit card, or ask for your credit card or debit card number over the phone; or
  • Threaten to call the police or immigration authorities. 

If you get a call like this, report it online to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration or call 800-366-4484. Also, report it to the Federal Trade Commission.

To learn more about tax scams, watch this video and read this IRS Tax Tip Sheet. If you think you owe taxes, you can call the IRS at 800-829-1040 and they may help you arrange a payment plan. 

Visit the USCIS Avoid Scams page for more information on common scams targeting immigrants.

Be aware of housing scams, particularly on websites like Craigslist. Signs of a scam targeting renters can include the following:

  • The advertised price of the rental property is much lower than that of similar properties.
  • The person trying to rent you the property claims to be an agent for the property owner who is too busy, out of the country, or otherwise unavailable to handle the rental.
  • The owner or agent requires you to sign the lease before you see the rental property.
  • The owner or agent can't to let you enter the home or apartment or charges you a fee to view it. 
  • You're asked to wire money as a deposit or payment of the first and last month's rent. Remember wiring money is the same as giving cash. You can't get a refund, even if you find out the offer was a fraud.
  • The owner or agent uses high pressure sales tactics, urging you to rent quickly, before someone else gets the property.
  • The person preparing the lease writes in a higher monthly rent or additional fees that you hadn't agreed upon. 
  • The landlord directs you to a website to get a free credit check. This can be a tactic for harvesting your identity. Only disclose this information on a written application after you have seen the property.

What you can do to protect yourself:

  • If you’re not able to see the unit in person, have a friend or family member check it out for you. If this isn’t possible, hire a local real estate agent.
  • Check for the home’s address online using Google Maps to see if it matches what is being advertised online.
  • Use UC San Diego’s Off-Campus Housing website to search for a property. However, it is still important that you follow the tips listed above when checking out these properties!
  • Consult with UC San Diego Student Legal Services if you have any questions or concerns about a property you are renting/would like to rent.
  • Report any scams to the San Diego Police Department. 

*Source: USA.gov Housing Scams Website

Beware fraudulent job/internship postings. Job seekers are often targets for scammers to attempt to threaten or scare potential victims into providing them with cash or personal, protected information, which is then used to withdraw money from bank accounts or for other illegal activity. 

Use the Following Tips to Avoid Scams:

Never give out your personal or banking information to potential employers.

  • Recruiters and hiring contacts should not ask for money (checks, cash, wire transfers, etc.) when considering you for a job/internship opportunity. They should not ask for personal information such as login information and passwords, your mailing address, and/or social security number.

Watch for signs of unprofessionalism. Be cautious of:

  • A recruiter/hiring contact using a free email service such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, rather than their company/business email address
  • A recruiter/hiring contact that avoids answering questions about their company’s mission, product, or service
  • Correspondence from a recruiter/hiring manager that is unprofessionally written – use of slang, misspelled words, poor grammar, and/or use of all capital letters

Do your research.

  • Do an internet search of the company/business website and/or LinkedIn profile, is it professional and up-to-date?
  • Also look for the name of the recruiter/hiring contact on LinkedIn to confirm they are associated with the company they are hiring for (especially if they are not using a company/business email address)

Remember, if a job or internship is too good to be true, it probably is. If you become aware of a scam or fraudulent job/internship posting, or if you believe you have been a victim of an employment scam, notify the Career Services Center immediately.

For more information about scams please review the following resources:

The International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO) has put together various resources to assist with scam prevention and awareness. Download a resource file (ZIP file) of suggested text and graphics for social media, websites, newsletters and more.

Why this matters: Recent reports indicate a surge in scams that exploit international students and scholars, including fraudulent phone calls, phishing emails, and impersonation of government or university officials. These scams can lead to financial loss, emotional distress, and disruption to students’ academic journeys. 

What’s in the toolkit? The toolkit includes:

  • Social media templatesfor quick and easy sharing on your platforms.
  • Informative email or newsletter templates to send directly to students and scholars.
  • Educational resources and links that outline common scams, prevention tips, and where to seek help

Access the toolkit here (ZIP file)

Your active participation in sharing these resources can make a significant difference in protecting our community and ensuring students and scholars feel safe and supported. If you have any questions regarding access or these materials,  please don’t hesitate to reach out to ISEO's Experience and Engagement team by emailing iprograms@ucsd.edu. 

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Additional Safety Information

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As of January 1, 2014, UC joined more than 1,500 colleges and universities nationwide by implementing a systemwide smoke & tobacco-free policy.

This policy has been adopted by all UC campuses (including UC San Diego), labs and medical centers to improve the health and safety of all students, staff, faculty, patients and visitors. The policy prohibits the use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, snuff, snus, water pipes, pipes, hookahs, chew, unregulated electronic nicotine delivery system, and any other non-combustible tobacco product.

Smoke-free means that smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e.g., "e-cigarettes") will be strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, including parking lots, private residential space, and the Medical Center campuses.

This video guides international students on to deal with drugs and alcohol on college campuses, including an overview of applicable laws (and consequences for not following them), how to act responsibly, and how to get help. 

Please visit the International Student Insurance website for more information. 

Local beaches in San Diego and La Jolla are famous for its natural beauty and great surf. However, it's also known for its surrounding dangers: unstable cliffs, rockslides, and frequent riptides; all of which are naturally occurring conditions.

Stay safe by reviewing local beach access and safety information. 

Black's Beach

Located just west of campus below the Torrey Pines Gliderport, Salk Institute, and La Jolla Farms, Black's Beach is famous for its natural beauty and great surf. It's also known for its surrounding dangers: unstable cliffs, rockslides, and frequent riptides; all of which are naturally occurring conditions.

Warning! Stay far away from the cliff walls and rocky over-hangs at all times. Areas where canyons converge on the beach are less susceptible to rock slides and can be safer places to gather on the beach. For more information, visit Black's Beach: Access and Safety page. 

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