Pitt Information Technology is responding to an email phishing scam that mimics an employee evaluation notification from the University. The email informs the recipient that a file has been shared with them via OneDrive. The email includes an attachment that links to an online form, which then prompts the recipient to enter their username and password.

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.

If you entered your username and password into the malicious website, please reset your University password as soon as possible.

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Example of Phishing Scam

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Opening the attachment displays a message like the one shown below:

Clicking the link contained in the attachment opens an online form similar to the one below that attempts to collect the recipient’s username and password.

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.