College students are often targeted for email scams which attempt to trick email users into providing sensitive personal information, such as bank account numbers, social security numbers, credit card numbers, or account passwords.  Please be aware that scammers can use any name or email address in the “From” or “Subject” field to make the email appear official.  UMKC will never ask for sensitive information via email.

Examples of scams include:

• Job Scams, with the intent to get your personal information
• Check scams, where they send a check  and ask for a portion of the money to be returned
• Secret Shopper Scams, similar to check scams, but they may ask you to send them merchandise, and send you checks that bounce
• Fake password expiration or account upgrade scams, with intent of stealing a user account.  These accounts are then used to steal other email addresses at an organization, or used to relay one of the above scams to other people

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.  The victim of such a scam is generally liable for any funds received in this way.
• Do your research on the person or company before accepting a job or a check from them, especially if the contact is unsolicited.  Contact UMKC Career Services if you have any questions.
• Consult your banker or parents before answering any e-mail or cashing any checks if you don’t know who sent it.
• Change your passwords frequently and ensure they are of sufficient complexity.

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 “free” money and random job offers are usually fraudulent.  If you have any questions, please contact the UMKC Computer Helpdesk at 816-235-2000.