Phishing

Think Before You Click! 

Phishing is a scam where unauthorized users pretend to be a legitimate business or organization like a bank, government agency, or streaming service, to get personal, financial information from unknowing users. Phishing email messages often include official-looking logos from real organizations and other identifying information taken directly from legitimate websites. These messages redirect you to websites that look and feel almost identical to a legitimate organization's site and may be infected with malware. The goal is phishing is to steal information to commit identity theft, fraud, and other crimes in your name. 

Some e-mail scams are easy to spot. Look for too-good-to-be-true offers and scams that overpromise, but then under deliver. More and more, phishing scams are becoming realistic, and successfully conning even the savviest online user out of money and valuable information.

Don't Get Phished! 

• Be suspicious of unsolicited email messages.
• Do not respond to emails requesting personal or financial information.
• Check a website's security before sending any sensitive information.
  • Check the web address in the address bar. A website on a secure server starts with "https://"
• Always check the URL of a website. Malicious websites may look identical to a legitimate site, but the URL may use a variation in spelling or a different domain (e.g., .com vs. .net).
• Be cautious about opening attachments or downloading any files from emails you receive, regardless of who sent them.
• If you are unsure whether an email request is legitimate, try to verify it by contacting the company directly. Do not use contact information provided on any email connected to the request.
• Review online accounts like credit card and bank statements regularly for unauthorized charges.
• Use antivirus software and update regularly.
• Antivirus software installation and update will help detect and disable viruses and other malicious software that might be on your computer.
• Always report any suspicious activity.

How to Report Phishing

• Forward any phishing emails you receive on your Coppin account to OITHelpDesk@coppin.edu.
• Forward phishing emails you receive on your personal accounts to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the phishing email (Companies usually have a dedicated email addresses to report such activities).
• You can also report phishing emails to reportphishing@antiphishing.org.

Phishing Safety Resources

• Internet and Safety
• Anti-Phishing Work Group

Still have questions or need help? Email us! We're happy to help.