Phishing scams: Don't get hooked!

Anyone with an email account has probably encountered a phishing scam at some point.

Phishing is a deceptive practice that is used to steal personal information such as credit card numbers, passwords, or other sensitive data. Phishing scammers flood the Internet with "fake" messages from reputable companies/organizations, asking recipients to provide personal/sensitive data. Some email messages include links to Web forms that may appear official, but they are not.

Members of the Lehigh community may receive "customized" messages that look like they are from Lehigh or LTS. These messages may include a Lehigh logo or refer to Lehigh departments or entities. The tone of the message is often urgent or threatening (e.g., if you don't respond your account will be terminated).

Lehigh will NEVER ask users to provide personal information via email. If you have any questions about whether an email is legitimate, contact the LTS Help Desk at 610-758-HELP.

For more information about recognizing phishing scams and to view examples of phishing scams that have circulated at Lehigh, go to www.lehigh.edu/helpdesk/phishing.html. 

Lehigh is launching a phishing awareness program with posters and other materials. If you would like to have materials in your department or office, contact your computing consultant or the Help Desk.

--Stacey Kimmel Smith

Article posted November 20, 2008
 

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