This scam email impersonates the university’s acting president. In all likelihood, this will turn out to be a gift card scam, where the scammer tells the recipient to purchase several hundred dollars’ worth of gift cards (typically for Apple iTunes or some other major brand). The recipient is then supposed to send photographs of the cards with the PIN cover scratched off, which gives the scammer enough information to redeem the balance. Here’s an example of how this type of scam might play out.
The red flags in this particular email:
- The email claims to be from someone from UVic but came from an external email address–this is typically a sign of impersonation.
- The request for assistance is vague and the sender asks for confidentiality. The scammer is probably trying to isolate the recipient to stop them from telling someone who might let them know it’s a scam.
- The message says to send text messages to a phone number with a 401 area code, which is from Rhode Island. The non-Canadian phone number and the refusal to take phone calls indicates this number is fraudulent. Shifting the conversation away from UVic email is often done to move it to somewhere that can’t be caught by our security systems.
Therefore, do not reply and do not contact the phone number in the email. Reach out to the Computer Help Desk or your department’s IT support staff if you need assistance.
From: Robina Thomas <office******7@gmail.com>
Subject: University of Victoria[Recipient name],
Please let me know if you’re available. I have something I need your assistance with, and I would appreciate your confidentiality. Kindly reply to this email or, preferably, send me a text message only (no calls) at +1 (401) ***-**** for a quicker response.Thank you,
Robina Thomas
President and vice-chancellor
www.uvic.ca
+1 (401) ***-****Confidentiality Notice: This message, including any attachments, is intended solely for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. It may contain confidential and/or legally privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution, copying, or action taken in relation to the contents of this message any any attachments is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful