Safety

Your safety is of utmost importance at USC. As a USC student, you must look out for not only your physical safety, but your financial security, identity protection, and emotional well-being.

Educate and Equip Yourself to Be Safe

  • Watch the USC campus and personal safety orientation video and review the safety recommendations on the Department of Public Safety’s website.
  • Try out the new USC Trojan Mobile Safety App. This free downloadable app can be used to contact emergency responders around UPC and HSC. Key features include: Immediate “push button” calls to the Department of Public Safety or 911 for immediate response during an emergency; anonymous messaging for reporting suspicious behavior, unsafe situations, or other safety concerns; a “safewalk” function that allows users to alert selected friends that they are on the way to a destination; and access to Campus Cruiser escorts and taxis.

Avoid Scams and Beware of Solicitors

  • Scammers pose as agents of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), travel companies, apartment leasing companies, and immigration agencies – such as the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Patrol, US Citizenship and Immigration Services, and U.S. Embassies abroad.
  • Solicitors posing as sales persons approach international students and solicit donations for a fictitious company.
  • Never give money or provide personal information to strangers. Solicitation of money on-campus is not allowed. If you are solicited for donations, told you owe money, or asked to exchange a check for cash, do not give money. Ask for the person’s contact information and report the incident to the USC Department of Public Safety and OIS immediately.

Prevent Theft of Personal Items

  • Do not prop open doors while studying.
  • Sleeping in the library is not permitted. If you find yourself drifting off, put away your cell phone and lock your laptop to a table or desk.
  • Stay alert by not using your cell phones while walking or riding a bike.
  • Thieves look for opportunities to “snatch & grab” when you are preoccupied.
  • Remember that burglary is a crime of opportunity.
  • Make sure windows and doors are locked before you leave.
  • Remove all valuable items in your vehicle and put them in the trunk.
  • Report any suspicious activity or persons immediately.

Practice Financial Safety

  • Many international students are targeted with scams, loan offers, scholarships, and credit card offers every year. It is imperative that you keep your information safe while adapting to life in Los Angeles.
  • Verify the legitimacy of any agency or company who contacts you regarding information.
  • Keep confidential financial and personal information secured.
  • Contact your Immigration Advisor if you are unsure or have questions.
  • Do not give information about your visa, passport, or finances (credit card/bank information) via phone or e-mail or to strangers.
  • Do not accept an offer that sounds too good to be true.
  • Report any incidents to the USC Department of Public Safety and OIS.