Job Scams

How the Scam Works

Not only is this a phishing scam, but it is a catfishing scam as well. The scammer pretends to be affiliated with the University when they reach out. Sometimes the scammer will even pretend to be a specific professor who actually teaches at the University. We have also seen the bad actors pose as parents of students who were looking for tutoring help, or even an assistant within one of the University organizations.

A scammer will reach out to a college student with an offer for a high-paying remote job. Scammers will often urge the student to contact a separate email address that is referenced in the message (i.e. prof.smith@gmail.com) or to call a random number to continue pursuing the application process. When the student responds to the message, they are communicated with as if they are lining up a job. The person offering the position (the scammer) lets the student know that in order to be paid, they need to submit direct deposit information.

When the scammer receives the direct deposit information, they use it to withdraw money from the student’s bank account. Some students have even had their bank accounts drained.

How Phishing Works

Scammers pose as a reputable company to gain your account or financial information. They often do this by emailing you asking to verify your information either with an email response or by going to a fake website and entering your information there. Regardless, they trick you into openly handing them confidential information which they can then use to make purchases on your behalf.

How to Beat the Scam

Take an extra minute to review the email. Are there typos, weird logos, or other abnormalities that make the email appear unprofessional? Never click on any links in an email until you can verify that it is legitimate. If you ultimately cannot tell if the email is legitimate, Google the company’s phone number and call them to ask if they have recently reached out to you.

A+ Tip

• Make sure to check the sender’s email address. If the email said it is coming from Amazon, but the sender address is an “@gmail.com” account that is a big tip-off that the email is a scam. Reputable businesses will only email you from a company email address.