ITS Office of Information Security

Fraudulent Email Scams

There are many types of fraudulent email scams that bad actors use to try to manipulate unsuspecting victims into performing certain actions or divulging confidential information.

Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your credentials and other sensitive and confidential information.

A frequent scam seen across college campuses is impersonation scams.  Bad actors impersonate faculty members or known contacts and request or promise payment in exchange for research, employment or internship opportunities. 

Appalachian State University faculty and staff will never ask you to pay them directly for any service related to the university. 

• If you are ever asked to do this or to provide other information, such as a social security number via email, forward the email immediately to phish@appstate.edu.
• If you clicked on anything or responded, notify us immediately at security@appstate.edu.

Essential safety measures to follow to recognize scams and protect yourself from cybercrime:

1. Pause and review before you click: 
   1. Always verify the sender’s email address and carefully analyze the content of any suspicious emails. Make sure the sender’s name matches their @appstate.edu email address.
   2. Be cautious of unusual requests or the need for urgent responses, especially after business hours.
   3. Watch for grammar errors or incomplete sentences. These often indicate phishing attempts.
      
      
2. Double-check requests: If someone asks for personal information or payment, verify their identity independently. Contact the person or their office directly to confirm the request.
   
   
3. Avoid unknown sources: Be cautious when opening emails from unknown senders or clicking on suspicious hyperlinks.
   
   
4. Report suspicious emails to our Office of Information Security by forwarding to phish@appstate.edu or reaching out directly at 828-262-6946 or security@appstate.edu.