Pitt Information Technology is responding to a new email phishing scam that claims your mailbox is almost full. The email asks you to click a link to re-validate your mailbox and claims that you may not be able to send or receive mail until you do. Clicking the link actually takes you to a harmful webpage.

The following is a sample of the recent fraudulent email. If you receive this message (or any message similar to it), delete it without replying, opening any attachments, or clicking on any links within the email.

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Subject: Your mailbox is almost full.

Your mailbox is almost full.

Dear pitt.edu User

Your mailbox has exceeded the storage limit set by your administrator, you may not be able to send or receive new mail until you re-validate your mailbox To re-validate your mailbox please CLICK HERE (URL removed):

System Administrator

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Pitt IT strongly recommends that you do not reply to unsolicited emails or emails from unverifiable sources. Avoid clicking on links contained in such emails, as these may lead to sites that contain harmful software. 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 users install Antivirus (Symantec Endpoint Protection) software and use the LiveUpdate feature to get the latest virus definitions. As a complement to Symantec Endpoint Protection, Pitt IT offers a free version of Anti-Malware (Malwarebytes) for individuals and departments. Students, faculty, and staff can download Malwarebytes and Symantec Endpoint Protection at no cost through the Software Download Service at myPitt. 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.