Information about Recent Targeted Phishing Emails

Technology Services has received multiple reports of campus members receiving extremely targeted phishing emails. The emails specifically target members in a department by appearing to be sent from the respective department chair. For example, Biology faculty members may receive an email impersonating the Biology academic department chair. However, the email address is @gmail.com with the display name being altered to impersonate the department chair.

The body of the email has contained the text “Available, cell phone number?” and the email signature of the specific academic department chair.

Please do not respond to these emails, reply with your cell phone number, or call any number as part of this phishing attack.

Quick Tips

• Always check the email address of the sender. The display name can be easily manipulated but is usually what one pays attention to first, especially on a mobile device.
• If an email seems suspicious or you don’t know whether somebody is actually trying to contact you, reach out to them via a known means of communication (e.g. their Puget Sound email) or check with the Service Desk.

What Should I Do If I Responded?

If you responded, the chances are that you will receive text messages from an unknown number asking for your assistance to purchase gift cards. Do not purchase any gift cards. You can simply block the number on your cell phone.

What Can I Do If I Am a Department Chair?

If you receive questions or reports from your faculty members of emails similar to this, it may be beneficial to send an email to your whole department notifying them that the email in question is not legitimate.

Please also continue using your @pugetsound.edu account for all campus communications and do not use a personal email address.