Beware the Recent Uptick in Scams

Recently the Washington County Sheriff's Office has noted an increase in phone and online scams in which callers use spoofed Caller ID features or email addresses to solicit money for warrants or other bogus charges.

“Phishing” is a deceptive attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by the sender posing as trustworthy in their electronic communications. These attempts typically take the form of emails, messages, or even phone calls that appear legitimate but are crafted to trick you into divulging personal and/or financial information.

Here are some tips to help you avoid falling victim to these scams:

If you receive an unexpected email or message asking for sensitive information, take a moment to question its legitimacy. Verify the sender's identity through other means if possible.

Keep an eye out for spelling errors (although with AI-generated content, this is no longer as prevalent as it once was), generic greetings, and urgent requests for personal or financial information such as a credit card number. Be wary of any communication that seems off or asks for immediate action.

Hover over any links before clicking to see the actual URL. If it looks suspicious or does not match the sender's expected address, do not click on it.

Enable multi-factor authentication on your accounts whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security and makes it harder for scammers to gain access.

Ensure that your computer, phone, and any applications you use are up to date with the latest security patches and updates.

If you receive a suspicious email or message, report it to Academic Technology immediately. They can help determine its legitimacy and take appropriate action.

Emails that contain only a file attachment with no text in the body of the email.
Emails that ask you to Copy and Paste a URL web address into your browser.
Those originating from a Blinn student email (buc.blinn.edu) or from domains outside of Blinn.edu (e.g. gmail.com, yahoo.com, etc.) with some variation of the following Subject headers:
- SOME RANDOM JOB OPPORTUNITY
- SOME RANDOM PRODUCT FOR SALE
- YOUR ACCOUNT/PASSWORD WILL EXPIRE
- HELPDESK NEEDS YOUR ASSISTANCE

All of these types of emails are designed to reroute you to a web page that asks for you to enter your Blinn credentials, financial information, or to contact an unknown person who will then attempt to get your information.

By staying informed and cautious, we can protect ourselves and our organization from falling prey to these malicious attempts. Please feel free to reach out to the Help Desk if you have any questions or need further assistance at support.blinn.edu or by calling 979-830-4357.

Beware the Recent Uptick in Scams

Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Communications

Look for Red Flags

Do Not Click on Suspicious Links

Use Multi-Factor Authentication

Keep Your Software Updated

Report Suspicious Activity

Be Extremely Cautious of These Emails