Santa Clara University

Avoid Getting Caught!

"Phishing" is when a criminal tries to get you to reveal your username and password by sending you a legitimate--looking email.  Sometimes they may ask for even more personal information such as address or social security number.  You should always be wary of any message that asks for your personal information or messages that refer you to a web page asking for these details.

Messages or websites phishing for information might ask you to enter the following information:

• Usernames and passwords
• Social Security numbers
• Bank account numbers
• PINs (Personal Identification Numbers)
• Full credit card numbers
• Your mother’s maiden name
• Your birthday

Never (never never never :-) respond to one of these messages, no matter how realistic it might appear.

If you respond with the information, then your computer or accounts can be compromised and used to do harmful things to you or other people.

If you think you have responded to a phishing message:

Students: call x5050 (408-554-5050) or visit the Student IT Services Center on the first floor of the Learning Commons.

Faculty or Staff: call Field Support x5700 (408-554-5700) or visit the Faculty/Staff IT Services Center on the third floor of the Learning Commons.

More information is available at

http://it.scu.edu/notices/Phishing.shtml

And (connects to external site)

http://www.google.com/goodtoknow/online-safety/phishing/

Santa Clara University Information Services will never ask for your ID or Password in an anonymous email.