University of Wisconsin students should be suspicious of calls offering them a scholarship in exchange for personal information, UW Police warned Friday.

Police said UW students are experiencing an increased number of telephone-related scams this year, with suspects asking for information such as Social Security numbers and dates of birth.

According to police, the suspects in these cases are reported to have heavy foreign accents and speak English that is difficult to understand.

Several of the scams imply that the student will receive a scholarship if they provide the requested information.

Police reminded students that this information could be used to steal their identity or charge them for unwanted services and that they should not provide personal information over the phone.

Also, police reminded students that scholarship offers do not arrive over the phone.

If you feel you have been a victim of the current scam and live on the UW-Madison campus, call the UW Police at 262-2957.