A wave of fraudulent email messages have been arriving in campus mailboxes recently, warns Information Technology Services.
These fraudulent messages are phishing attempts and have been made to appear to originate from University executives, deans and department heads, but are actually from off-campus individuals requesting gift card codes or other financial transactions.
In the event that you receive an email from a colleague or administrator asking for gift cards, combinations, keys, or other suspicious information, IT Services recommends you immediately:
- Verify that the sender is genuine by sending a new email message to the requestor’s proper UWindsor e-mail address. Do not use the reply button, as this action will send a reply to the scammer. As an alternative means, you can also confirm the request in person or via phone or text.
- If the message is not genuine, report it to the IT Service Desk or forward the message to spam@uwindsor.ca.
Given the increased frequency of these phishing attempts, it is important for campus users to maintain continued cyber awareness and vigilance to ensure protection of University assets. IT Services encourages you to watch this video on how to avoid taking the bait.
Direct any questions or concerns regarding these phishing e-mails to the IT Service Desk at 519-253-3000, ext 4440.