Email Phishing Scams
All staff should be aware of emails that appear to originate from the IT help Desk, and various financial institutions, such as Paypal, and several of the clearing banks including the Royal Bank of Scotland. In short they do not !
These emails represent a type of Internet piracy called "phishing." It's pronounced "fishing," and that's exactly what these thieves are doing: "fishing" for your personal financial information. They want Log in details, account numbers, passwords, National insurance numbers, and other confidential information which they can use to access your accounts or run up bills on your credit cards.
In a worst case scenario, you could find yourself a victim of Identity theft. With the sensitive information obtained from a successful phishing scam thieves can take out loans or obtain credit cards and even obtain driver's licenses in your name. They can do damage to your financial history and personal reputation that can take years to unravel. But if you understand how phishing works and how to protect yourself, you can help stop this crime.
Banks, building societies and other organisations which deal with financial transactions such as, Paypal will NEVER ask for confidential information through regular email.
Additionally, Banks will NEVER ask you for your password or PIN through email, via the telephone or in person. If someone identifies himself or herself as a Bank employee and asks for your password or PIN, take caution. They do not represent the Bank and you should NOT reveal personal information to them.
If you you have any questions or concerns about such emails please contact Keith Fraser or Anna McCombie at the Records Management Department.
For further advice, please contact:
IT Helpdesk
Email: adviser at rgu.ac.uk
Tel: 01224 262777 or x2777 within the University
Last updated 25.03.09(KGF)
