Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to trick individuals into compromising their security and sensitive information. To help protect yourself and our organization, please review the following common scams and threats, along with tips to stay safe:
MFA Code Scams
Fraudsters may contact you pretending to be from IT support or another trusted source, asking you to share a Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) code sent to your device. Never share your MFA code with anyone. This code is meant to verify your identity and should remain private.
Protect Yourself:
- If someone requests your MFA code, end the conversation immediately and report the incident.
- IT support will never ask for your MFA code.
Gift Card Scams
Scammers may impersonate someone you trust, such as a colleague, manager, or family member, and request that you purchase gift cards for urgent reasons like emergencies, rewards, or favors. They may claim they cannot complete the task themselves and ask you to send the gift card details or photos of the cards.
Protect Yourself:
- Verify such requests by reaching out to the person directly through an independently verified contact method, such as their official phone number or a face-to-face conversation.
- Be cautious of any message that emphasizes secrecy or urgency.
- Remember: Legitimate organizations or colleagues will never ask you to purchase gift cards as a form of payment or favor.
Fake Postal Service Messages
You may receive text messages or emails claiming that a package delivery has been suspended or needs additional fees to be processed. These messages often include a link to a fake website designed to steal your personal information.
Protect Yourself:
- Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages.
- Verify package delivery statuses directly on the official website of the postal service.
Phishing Emails
Phishing emails often appear to come from trusted sources and may include malicious links or attachments.
Signs of Phishing Emails:
- Unexpected requests for personal information.
- Poor grammar, spelling errors, or unusual sender email addresses.
- Suspicious links or attachments.
Protect Yourself:
- Hover over links to inspect their destination before clicking.
- Report suspicious emails to IT Support.
Tech Support Scams
Scammers may call, email, or pop up on your screen claiming that your computer has a problem and needs immediate attention. They might ask for remote access or payment for "fixing" the issue.
Protect Yourself:
- Do not grant remote access to your device unless you initiated the request with verified IT personnel.
- Hang up on unsolicited tech support calls.
Fake Job Offers
Scammers may post fake job listings or contact you with fraudulent job offers. These offers often promise high salaries for minimal effort or may require upfront payments for training or equipment. They may also ask for sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security number or banking details, under the guise of completing hiring paperwork.
Protect Yourself:
- Research the company and verify job offers through official channels, such as the company’s career website.
- Be cautious of unsolicited job offers or those that require upfront payments.
- Never share sensitive information until you have verified the legitimacy of the job offer and employer.
- Trust your instincts: If a job offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
General Tips for Staying Safe
- Be Skeptical: If a message or request seems unusual or too urgent, take a moment to verify its authenticity.
- Keep Software Updated: Ensure your devices and applications are updated to the latest versions to protect against vulnerabilities.
- Use Strong Passwords: Enable unique, strong passwords for all accounts and consider using a password manager.