Pitt Information Technology has identified a new email phishing scam targeting University students. The scam typically includes the subject line “Student Internship Program” and originates from an external email address that is usually associated with a free email provider. The body of the email is often blank but may include an attached Word or PDF file. The text of the attachment purports to be a job or internship offer for office work, and it may also claim the job is sponsored by the University. The scammer often asks for contact information and an alternate email address. After communicating with the recipient, the scammer asks for a deposit that will be “reimbursed in the future.” 

The following is a sample of the recent scam. If you receive this message (or any message similar to it), please report it as a phishing scam by forwarding the email message as an attachment to phish@pitt.edu. Detailed instructions on reporting scams are available at https://www.technology.pitt.edu/security/phishing-scams.

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The text of the attachment follows:

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Pitt IT strongly recommends that you do not reply to unsolicited emails or emails from unverifiable sources. If you were not expecting to receive such an email, confirm with the sender prior to interacting with the message. If you must interact with the message, avoid clicking on links contained in such emails. These may lead to sites that contain malicious software, or sites that attempt to steal your credentials. If a link looks suspicious, you can hover over the link with your mouse to preview the URL without clicking on it.

In addition, Pitt IT recommends that all students, faculty, and staff install Antivirus and Anti-Malware (Malwarebytes) Protection. Departments can submit a help request to obtain Malwarebytes for multiple machines.

Please contact the Technology Help Desk at 412-624-HELP (4357) if you have any questions regarding this announcement.