UMatters

[The following was provided by UMKC’s Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.]

Please be aware that in the last several weeks, our students have been targeted by email scammers with various fraudulent promises, including employment opportunities. The university IT department has been notified and is taking action.

The following Fraud Warning email was sent to all UMKC students by Mel Tyler, UMKC Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management:

Dear Students,

It has come to my attention that several students have been contacted in an e-mail scam.  Students brought in fraudulent checks to the US Bank branch located in the Student Union.  Students had accepted these checks mailed to them with instructions to deposit the funds in their bank accounts and then Western Union the majority of the funds to another account the following day.  A secondary scam included a fraudulent job posting on Craigslist. 

Some tips to avoid fraud:

• When someone randomly sends you an e-mail asking you to receive a check and forward part of the funds to another account, it is typically fraud.
• Do your research on the person or company before accepting an interview, a job, or a check from them.
• Consult your banker or parents before answering any e-mail or cashing any checks if you don’t know who they are coming from. 

Always keep in mind:  if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  Be wary when someone offers you money and be sure you check with trusted mentors before you accept anything. Nobody sends you “free” money—and you may be liable for repaying the funds.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Amanda Brown, US Bank Branch Manager, located in room 212 of the Student Union.  She can also be reached at 816-444-4462.