Increase in Phishing Attempts
- Posted:
- March 31, 2020
As we adjust to remote learning and working, it is an unfortunate reality that phishing scammers are increasing their efforts to exploit our current situation. For example, the University community has seen a new phishing attempt claiming to offer a work from home opportunity during the pandemic. Concurrently, we are still seeing more traditional scams such as those claiming to be from FDU IT. Some of these attempts are coming from compromised accounts within the FDU domain. As a result, they would not have the [External] tag prepended to the message.
Since our expectations are that these attempts will continue and possibly increase in the coming months, we must ask you to be especially vigilant at this time. If you see a likely phishing attempt, please let us know by using the new reporting tool discussed in our Tech Alert from March 6th. Additionally, please follow the tips for spotting a phishing scam below.
Examples of two recent phishing attempts are contained below.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Begin Example #1:
Subject: Work from home.
Dear Off-Campus Student,
Due to the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 Coronavirus across the country, we have decided to offer a Work From Home Online Job with a pay of $500 weekly, kindly click reply and send us your direct cell number and alternative email, so we know how to reach you.
This is very important, so please complete this as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
<FDU Student Name Removed>
For:
<FDU Employee Name removed>
Email: <Gmail Address Removed>
Begin Example #2:
Subject: Treat as Urgent.
Dear Fairleigh Dickson University Student/Staff,
This message is from the Fairleigh Dickinson University Helpdesk,
We are currently upgrading our database and e-mail account centre I. e homepage view, enhance security installations of new 2020 anti-spam and anti-virus software, large mailbox space , and also to confirm active users.
Inactivate/unverified accounts will be suspended with immediate effect.
Kindly verify your email within as soon possible or your email will be temporarily suspended. click HERE to verify your e-mail.
Yours Faithfully,
<Name removed>
IT Web Support
Copy Link
