Re: Security Awareness Bulletin – Beware of Phishing Emails targeting Federal Student Aid Login Credentials
Since February 2018, the FBI and the Department of Education have received reports on phishing campaigns targeting students at US universities with varying degrees of success and sophistication. The emails fraudulently obtain student login information, allowing for the cyber actors to gain access to and change direct deposit information. These campaigns share common attributes, such as the use of Green Dota bank accounts, IP addresses, and phishing email accounts. The Green Dot bank account funds are typically withdrawn and transmitted around the world by criminal actors. Once the funds have been successfully disbursed by the financial aid provider to the changed bank accounts, the recipients experience financial loss that may result in insufficient funds to pay other student needs (i.e., books, housing, meal plans, etc.).
While the content of phishing messages changes over time, there are several signs you should look for to identify a phishing e-mail:
Note: California University of PA will NEVER ask you for a password or account information via e-mail.
If you receive a phishing email, please attach it to a new email message and send it to abuse@calu.edu.
October is CyberSecurity Awareness Month and Cal U is offering FREE Security Awareness Training for Students in D2L and Faculty/Staff in ATLAS. Take advantage of this training as being able to spot and avoid a scam is sometimes the only way to avoid becoming a victim.