Email scams are on the rise. The most important line of defense against scams is you! Here are some “red flags” to look out for when reading your email.
- The email is from someone you don’t normally contact or about something (invoice, order, payment) that you didn’t know about.
- The email is written with a sense of urgency, often using pushy language or pressure tactics.
- You are being asked to pay in a very specific or unusual manner – gift cards, a payment app, cryptocurrency.
- The email uses threatening language, such as threatening legal action or contacting law enforcement.
If you receive an email that raises any of those red flags:
- Slow down and think it through. There is no need to take immediate action.
- If you’re being asked for money, confirm things before taking action no matter how urgent it seems. Only you control your own money.
- If they are purporting to be a company, contact the company directly to ask about it. Be sure to search the web for legitimate contact information rather than using what is included in the email.
- Check with the Helpdesk (helpdesk@providence.edu) to assist with determining the legitimacy of an email.
Please be sure to report phishing scams to Microsoft to better improve the email filters.
To help better protect your account, we recommend using the Microsoft Authenticator app as the most secure method for MFA. If you receive an unexpected prompt for MFA – whether it be a text message, phone call, or Authenticator notification – you should change your password. See the links below for more information.
Setup the Authenticator App
Change Your Password
Report a Phishing Scam
If you are ever unsure about the legitimacy of an email, please forward it to the IT Helpdesk at helpdesk@providence.edu.
