The Most Common Red Flags

 

Don't be fooled by a scammer! Familiarize yourself with these common phishing red flags.

Urgent or Threatening Language

Remember: real emergencies don't happen over e-mail. 
We will NEVER e-mail or text you requesting your UTSA e-mail, passphrase, or DUO passcode. 

Watch out for:

  • Pressure to respond right away
  • Threats to close any of your accounts
  • Threats of legal trouble

Requests for Sensitive Information

Be careful about who you share your personal details with. 

Watch out for: 

  • Any link that directs you to a login page, especially if it looks "off." 
  • Requests to update any kind of account information. Never try to change your UTSA passphrase anywhere except https://passphrase.utsa.edu
  • Demands for your financial information. Not even your bank will request this kind of information over e-mail.

Anything Too Good to be True

Scammers know that the best way to fool someone is by offering something irresistible, especially money. 

Watch out for: 

  • Suspicious or anonymous job offers. NEVER send money to or accept money from a potential employer before a "job" actually begins
  • Winnings from contests you never entered, or prizes you have to pay to receive
  • Inheritances from long-lost relatives

Unexpected Concerns or Errands

Watch out for: 

  • Receipts for items you did not purchase
  • Updates on deliveries for things you did not order 
  • Warnings about your account(s) that require you to click any kind of link. 

Information Mismatches

Always be on the lookout for clues that something is amiss.

Watch out for: 

  • Incorrect sender email addresses (especially if they are similar/only a little bit off)
  • Links that take you to websites that feel off, or aren't official
  • Spelling and grammar mistakes that a legitimate organization or department wouldn't miss 

Unexpected Attachments

Be very wary of attachments, especially from people you don't know. 

Watch out for: 

  • Attachments you didn't ask for or weren't expecting
  • weird file names/weird file types

 

Here are some other clues that the e-mail you received might be phishing:

  • The financial compensation is described with a dollar sign to the RIGHT of the amount (ex.: 350$)
  • The e-mailer frequently uses the word "kindly"
  • The e-mailer requests something that feels "off" or "shady"
  • The e-mail contains weird grammar or spelling. Remember: messages that are endorsed by UTSA are also proofread carefully by UTSA. Scammers don't use perfect grammar and spelling because they are looking for 'easy marks'--the kind of people who don't notice these errors are most likely to buy the scam.
  • The e-mail purports to come from somewhere that doesn't match the e-mail address
  • The e-mail purports to come from a UTSA department that doesn't exist. (There is no UTSA Student Employment Office)