University News

Stay Alert - WIU Community Encouraged to Protect From Email Scams

August 8, 2024

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Western Illinois University reminds students, faculty and staff to avoid phishing scams. These fraudulent emails often look like they come from trusted sources but are designed to steal personal information or gain access to our network.

"Phishing scams and other fraudulent activities can take many forms," WIU Office of Public Safety Police Captain Curtis Bilbrey said. "Recently, we've seen an increase in victims falling for fraudulent job offers. In one case, a victim accepted a job offer and was asked to send funds or gift cards to the scammer, only to later realize it was a scam. This left the victim financially responsible for the loss. Many of these job offers promise large sums of money for minimal work. If an unsolicited opportunity seems too good to be true, it likely is."

Phishing scams are becoming more common. These scams can lead to serious consequences, including identity theft and financial loss.

What to Watch For:


  • Emails asking you to "confirm" personal information like bank details.

  • Messages claiming to be from a company's fraud department asking for personal info.

  • Emails related to current events with links or attachments that could be harmful.

  • Offers large sums of money in exchange for your financial details.


How to Protect Yourself:


  • Never share personal information via email. Legitimate organizations won't ask you to.

  • Type web addresses directly into your browser instead of clicking on email links.

  • Be careful with attachments, especially if you weren't expecting them.

  • Verify suspicious emails by contacting the organization directly, using a trusted contact method.

  • Be cautious about what you share on social media, as it can be used against you.

  • Keep your software and browser updated to stay protected.


If you see a suspicious email, report it to University Technology at support@wiu.edu. For additional support, contact the Office of Public Safety at publicsafety@wiu.edu.

For more tips on protecting yourself, visit antiphishing.org or the Federal Trade Commission at consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0003-phishing.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing