**Important information about current scams**
The university has become aware of recent email scams and text messaging scams targeting students, faculty and staff. Recently email scams and text messaging scams are appearing to be sent from university administrators requesting you to complete chores for them or appearing from your supervisor asking you to complete tasks that you would not usually do. If you receive an email or text from a university administrator, or anyone that seems out of the ordinary ask questions to make sure the request is truly from the sender. Never give out personnel information, DOB, SS#, Spire #, bank accounts or other information that could give scammers access to accounts.
If you receive an email or text that you believe is a scam, please notify IT. To report phishing messages, submit them as an attachment to the address: itprotect@umass.edu.
What is a text message scam?
A text message scam, also known as a SMiShing attack, is a form of phishing. Phishing refers to using an email or phone message as a bait or lure to trick an unsuspecting target into divulging valuable information, such as account numbers, passwords, Social Security number, and the like, or to trick him or her into downloading malware onto a computer. With a text message scam, similar techniques are used, except the medium used is the text message.
There are a variety of ways that this type of scam may work. One way is to frighten the recipient. A message purporting to come from a financial institution is sent saying that an account will be closed or has been defaulted on, or that charges will be made to the recipient’s account unless the recipient makes contact and provides necessary information, such as the bank account number,...