Spam Message Pretends To Be From UH
Note: This story may not be current. It is part of the IT News Archive, and exists as a historical document.
On March 11, many of you received an email message that appeared to originate from "THE UH.EDU TEAM," requesting that you reply to the message and enter your password.
The message indicated that "Failure to do this will immediately render your email address deactivated from our database."
This spam message did not originate from the University of Houston. UH never asks for personal information (passwords, Social Security numbers, birthdates, etc.) in email messages.
While the true intent of this message has not yet been determined, it was most likely a phishing message sent to campus users for the purpose of obtaining information that could then be used for identity theft or other malicious purposes.
Phishing messages often appear to come from trusted sources. That's how they induce victims to open attachments, which enable phishers to wreak havoc.
Protect Yourself
As with all spam messages, phishing or otherwise, you should never open an attachment that's included with a message originating from an unknown sender. Better yet, immediately delete the message.
Here are some other "best practices" that will protect you and your computer:
- Have the latest security software updates (patches) installed.
- Use the latest version of anti-virus software.
- Keep your operating system (OS) up-to-date.
- Be wary of suspicious email messages and other electronic communications from sources you don't know or recognize.
To report a spam or phishing message, email abuse@uh.edu.
Additional Information
Phishing Scams: www.uh.edu:80/infotech/news/story.php?story_id=802.
Protect Your Computer: www.uh.edu:80/infotech/news/story.php?story_id=877.
Spam: www.uh.edu:80/infotech/news/story.php?story_id=884.
For information or assistance, please contact the IT Support Center at 713.743.1411, or email support@uh.edu.
