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Spot & Stop Phishing Scams

Recognize and Report Phishing

Phishing scams increasingly target college students, often camouflaged as enticing job offers, urgent IT support requests, or even messages from your school. Just like you’d be cautious about hidden dangers on a hike, it’s crucial to stay vigilant against these online threats to avoid compromised personal information, financial loss, or identity theft. Here’s how to stay on the right trail:

Spot the Warning Signs – Think before you click:

  • Too Good to Be True Job Offers: If you receive an unsolicited job offer that promises high pay for minimal effort, tread carefully. Scammers often use these enticing offers to lure you into giving away your personal details.
  • Urgent IT Requests: Watch out for emails or messages claiming to be from your school’s IT department, urging you to verify your account or reset your password urgently. Genuine IT requests typically won’t ask for sensitive information via email.
  • Suspicious Email Addresses: Just as you’d double-check a map for accuracy, verify email addresses for subtle errors, like extra letters or misspellings, which can signal a phishing attempt.

Verify Before You Proceed

  • Check the Source: Always examine the sender’s email address closely. If something feels off, don’t click on any links or attachments. Instead, contact the organization directly using a known, trusted method.
  • Hover Over Links: Before clicking on any link in an email, hover over it to reveal the actual URL. If the link looks dubious or doesn’t align with the sender’s supposed domain, steer clear.
  • Call to Confirm: If you receive a suspicious job offer or IT request, call the organization directly using a phone number you know is genuine. Avoid using contact details provided in the questionable email.

Act if You’re Targeted

  • Report It: If you encounter a phishing email, report it to your school’s IT department using the Phish Alert Button on Outlook. More info here.
  • Stay Calm: If you’ve clicked on a suspicious link or shared personal information, change your passwords immediately and monitor your accounts for any unusual activity. Report any potential breaches to your school’s IT department. 

Stay alert and keep your online security as robust as your outdoor gear!