Email Scams Cheating Your Money

ITSC has recently received a few reports of email scams with senders claiming to be someone you know (e.g. your department head).  The scammers, who sometimes use non-UST emails with arbitrary and meaningless email addresses (e.g. email123123 @gmail.com), tried to trick you into purchasing stored-value gift cards (e.g. iTunes) and sending the redemption details to them to benefit.  An example can be found here.   

We would like to remind all UST members to take the following steps to protect yourselves against common email fraud.

  • Check carefully the email and sender¿s email address, and make sure you really know the sender¿s identity before doing what you are asked to do
  • Try to contact the sender in another way (e.g. phone, official email addresses, instant messaging, or visits) to verify his/her request  
  • Be vigilant about the requests of the email scams.  Never disclose confidential information (e.g. username, password, account numbers, etc.) or commit financial aids via gift cards or bank transfer  

For details about protecting yourself against social engineering attack and email phishing, please refer to the information below.  
https://itsc.ust.hk/services/cyber-security/phishing/security-tips-to-avoid-phishing/#social_eng

Should you require any assistance or have any enquiries, please feel free to contact ITSC Service Desk (Tel: 2358-6200) or email to cchelp@ust.hk.  

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