This is a variation of the free piano/welding machine/tool box scams. There are some slight differences though, usually they will include a reply to email address, in this case they replaced that with a phone number. This evasion tactic is to avoid email security detection methods and isolate the communication with the victim. They are also offering a large variety of items in an attempt to gauge more interest. In this type of scam they trick the victim into paying a shipping fee up front and no items are ever sent.
The usual red flags are present. Creating a false sense of urgency. The offer is too good to be true. The email is unsolicited from someone you don’t know or in some cases impersonating a UVic employee. The reply to phone number isn’t local, it’s from the US.
If you have responded to a scammer please contact the helpdesk or your IT support person immediately.
An email from a scammer falsely advertising free items
Subject: Donation of Late Husband’s Gadgets to Students and Staffs
Dear Staff and Students,
We are pleased to announce that Mrs. Annette Zall is currently in the process of downsizing and has graciously decided to offer her late husband’s beloved possessions for free to members of our community. The items available for grabs include a stunning Violin, an elegant 2014 Yamaha baby grand Piano, the iconic Eric Clapton’s 1939 Martin OOO-42 Guitar, a Leica S (TyR 007) Digital SLR Camera, Playstation 5, Xbox Series X – 2TB Galaxy Special Edition
2023 MacBook Pro 14 inch Laptop, Ipad pro 2023 11 inch, and a 2023 Apple Vision Pro. If any of these items catch your interest, we encourage you to contact Mrs. Annette Zall at <redacted>Please note that a shipping fee will be required for the delivery of these items to your home. Act quickly as these items are in high demand and are sure to be claimed promptly. We appreciate your attention to this matter and thank you for considering these special items for acquisition.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely.