Message sent to all Faculty and Staff on 10/15/2024:
App State's Police and Information Security teams are working together to help our university community avoid potential scams targeting individuals and organizations that often arise after natural disasters.
Unfortunately, events like Hurricane Helene can bring out bad actors attempting to defraud people who may be seeking assistance, or who want to help others. Below please find some information to help App State students and employees protect against fraud and scams:
Price Gouging
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper declared a State of Emergency in North Carolina on Wednesday, Sept. 25, and price gouging laws are in effect. Be aware of any inflated prices on essential goods such as fuel, building materials and emergency services.
Report any suspicious activity to the North Carolina Attorney General's Office at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM (566-7226) or file a complaint online.
Home Repair Fraud
Be cautious of "storm chasers" offering quick home repairs. Scammers may ask for upfront payments and never complete the work. Always:
- Avoid contractors who demand full payment upfront or only accept cash.
- Seek referrals from trusted sources and verify contractors' credentials.
- Check if the business has any complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Charity Fraud
If you’re considering donating to relief efforts, ensure the charity is legitimate. Scammers may pose as charities using deceptive websites or fake organizations. Always:
- Research charities via trusted sites such as CharityNavigator.org.
- Avoid unsolicited emails or calls asking for donations.
- Be cautious of crowdfunding sites, as they may not vet individuals claiming to need assistance.
Imposter Scams
Beware of people pretending to be from legitimate agencies such as FEMA or law enforcement. Federal and state relief agencies will not ask for personal financial information or request payment for services. If in doubt, verify the person’s identity by contacting the agency directly.
For more information or to report suspected fraud, visit:
- The North Carolina Department of Justice website or call 1-877-5-NO-SCAM (566-7226).
- The FEMA website or report fraud to FEMA-OCSO-Tipline@fema.dhs.gov
Cybersecurity
- Malware and ransomware: Ensure that all devices have updated antivirus software.
- Secure remote access: Use secure connections (such as AnyConnect VPN) and avoid using public Wi-Fi to access sensitive university systems or personal information.
- Verify sources: Deepfake AI is a type of artificial intelligence used to create convincing images, audio and video hoaxes and has been rampant during this tragedy. Only trust information from official university channels or reputable sources. Always confirm requests for financial support or other assistance with known contacts.
- Password security: Use strong, unique passwords and consider implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for accessing important platforms or accounts.
- Report suspicious emails to the university’s Office of Information Security by forwarding to phish@appstate.edu or reaching out directly at 828-262-6946 or security@appstate.edu.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be a victim of fraud, contact App State Police at police@appstate.edu or 828-262-8000.