Fraud and Scam Prevention

Beware of scams, phishing, and internet fraud

Scammers are constantly coming up with new schemes designed to compromise computers, steal passwords, trick you into revealing valuable information, or trick you out of money. Scams can lead to identity theft, regular theft, access to your accounts and personal information, and compromised computers. These scams take various forms, such as check-deposit schemes, fraudulent job opportunities to earn money from home, and appeals to help others in distress.

Many unsolicited offers are scams. Sometimes the message is sent from a CUNY email address whose account has been compromised, or references a CUNY “job placement” office, to lend legitimacy to the email. Phishing emails often appear to be from legitimate sources but are actually fraudulent and clever methods to trick you into disclosing personal information. Frequently these e-mails come from familiar-sounding names.

Recommended User Action

DO NOT reply to unexpected or unusual email from any sender
DO NOT reply to email with any personal information or passwords
If you have reason to believe that the request is real, call the institution or company directly
DO NOT click a link or open an attachment in an unsolicited email message. If you have reason to believe the request is real, type the web address for the company or institution directly into your web browser
DO NOT use the same password for your student or work account, bank, social media, etc.. In the event you do fall victim to a phishing attempt, perpetrators attempt to use your compromised password to access many online services
DO change ALL your passwords if you suspect any account you have access to may be compromised
DO be particularly cautious when reading email on a mobile device. It may be easier to miss telltale signs of phishing attempts when reading email on a smaller screen
DO remember that official communications should not solicit personal information by email
DO complete the 40-minute CUNY 2021 Cybersecurity Awareness Course
If a suspicious email arrives to your Baruch account, DO forward it to BCTC at helpdesk@baruch.cuny.edu

While we work actively to identify and prevent fraud, phishing and scams, our ability to keep users secure is critically dependent on the Baruch community being educated and skeptical about fraudulent messages. Please remain alert, as scams can happen at any time and dupe individuals of all ages and backgrounds, and who have all levels of tech sophistication.

Fraud and Scam Prevention

Beware of scams, phishing, and internet fraud

Recommended User Action

Resources

CUNY Issued Security Advisories

Federal and State Government Issued Security Advisories