Beware of emails containing threats of releasing private documents, compromising pictures or videos, or other consequences if money is not paid within a specific amount of time. These types of messages often attempt to scare you by saying that your computer was compromised or infected, which gave the sender of the email access to various items and data, and may include your files, contacts, social media accounts, and possibly your computers camera. The scammer typically requests money transferred to them in a cryptocurrency (i.e. Bitcoin), or through other electronic methods.
This type of email is a scam. Do not reply or respond to these messages.
How you can tell an email is a scam or a phishing attempt:
- There is a call for immediate action – “pay now” or download this now” or “confirm you email identity now” or “click on the link below”
- There are spelling or grammatical errors in the email
- It asks you for your password or directs you to a webform asking for your password
- The subject line is in all caps
If you are concerned around specific messages you receive, please contact the ITS Service Desk.
Below are some general recommendations for safer computer and internet use:
- Keep your computer system up to date by installing Operating System and application updates
- Install an up to date version of Antivirus software, with recent definition files
- Be cautious of the websites you visit, and links that you click on