Learn how to recognize and avoid common online scams designed to steal money or your identity.

Warning Signs

  • A job offer from an unexpected source
  • The email address is not from the company or is misspelled
  • The company name is unknown
  • The job requires you to handle money
  • You are asked to place orders
  • Someone asks you to print checks and overnight the checks
  • You are depositing checks
  • You are asked to reship items

 

  • You are transferring money to other accounts
  • You are asked to purchase gift cards
  • You are asked to convert cash into bitcoin
  • You are using your bank account or opening up new accounts
  • It seems too good to be true. A good question to ask yourself is: Why would someone pay me this much to do something they could do themselves?

What can you do?

  • Verify the offer by contacting the company directly
  • Look up the company on the Internet, do not use the number in the email
  • Look for a Human Resources contact and call them to ask if this is a legitimate employment offer*
*You may be able to turn this into a positive. Tell them that you researched the company and are interested in working for them. Ask the HR person how you can apply for a position.

If you think you're a victim

If you think you fell for a scam, protect yourself by stopping any further communication.

  1. Change any passwords on accounts that were involved in the scam
  2. Contact any financial institutions involved
  3. Make a report to your local law enforcement. If you are a member of Washburn University, please contact Washburn University Police.
  4. File a complaint at the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

The criminal may threaten you or use your identity for another scam.

Additional resources

Federal Trade Commission job scams

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center

GET IN TOUCH WITH ITS

Email the Technology Support Center
Email ITS Support

Call us for technical assistance
785.670.3000

Visit the Help Desk
Located in Bennett, Room 104

back to top button