09/04/2023

Even if an email came from within UVic, you should still examine it to evaluate whether it’s actually legitimate before you click on any links or attachments. In this case, a job scammer used a compromised UVic account to send out the fraudulent job offer below.

The email includes the following indicators that the offer is not legitimate:

  • Errors in grammar and capitalization
  • A generic signature that does not mention UVic, or give a specific contact person at either UVic or UNICEF
  • Instructions to contact somebody else using your “alternative email address” (i.e.: your non-UVic email address) – the scammer does this to move the conversation away from UVic email to evade detection
  • The weekly salary offered is quite generous and probably too good to be true, especially if it’s for a small number of hours per week doing simple tasks

Other red flags that are signs of a job scam:

  • You are told to reply to an email address from a free email provider like Gmail, Outlook, Hotmail or Yahoo
  • No interview is required to get the job
  • You do not get to meet your employer/supervisor virtually or in person before getting the job

Do not open the attachment or send a reply. If you did, reach out to the Computer Help Desk for assistance.

Job scam email pretending to be a work-from-home part-time job opportunity with UNICEF

Subject: 09/04/2023

Attachment: [Word document] UNICEF – Work from Home Ca.docx

To whom it may concern,

I am sharing a Job Information to students who might be interested in a Paid UNICEF Part-Time Job to make up to $500 CAD Weekly

Attached is further information about the employment schedule, if interested kindly contact Dr Nicholas Hoffman with your alternative email address for urgent details of employment

NOTE: THIS IS STRICTLY A WORK FROM HOME POSITION.

Regards,
Academy Career Opportunity