UFV students are often targeted with emails offering fake jobs. Attackers will promise you a lucrative job or work-from-home opportunity – but these are a scam.
How does this scam work?
The attacker sends an email to your student email address; it may have an attachment, but it will almost always link to a Google Form. The form will ask you for personal information, such as your phone number or personal (non-UFV) email address. The attacker will then contact you at your personal contact to continue the scam; they do this to evade detection by the UFV Cybersecurity team.
How can I spot this scam?
- Generic email address: Scammers will use generic free emails; often from Gmail or Outlook. Verify the sender address and be especially cautious if it claims to be from UFV or another trusted organization.
- Upfront Payment: Scammers will often ask for money upfront; they may call this an ‘application fee’, or request money to complete background checks or provide materials & equipment. If they ask for money from you, this is almost assuredly a scam.
- Vague job descriptions: Scam jobs will be vague and lacking details about the role, responsibilities, and qualifications.
- Unsolicited offers: Be cautious if you receive job offers by email, text message, or social media message; especially if you haven’t interacted with the company or applied for any positions.
- Lack of company contact: Legitimate job postings will include a company contact (website, email, phone, or address). Verify postings using a company’s known website, phone number, and job listings on their website.
Bonus tips:
- Never send your password through Google Forms, text or social media message, or email
- Sound too good to be true? Trust your instinct; delete it!
- If you’re not sure if an offer is legitimate, forward it to phishreport@ufv.ca
- Check out Cyber safety tips for job seekers.
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