Don’t Get Hooked This Season

As the holiday season nears, it’s important to stay wary against phishing email gift card scams. Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting unsuspecting gift-shoppers, exploiting the festive spirit to their advantage. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and our UM cyber community.

Common Phishing Email Gift Card Scams

Phishing email gift card scams rely on impersonation and social engineering tactics to engage with victims and ask them to purchase gift cards. The attackers often impersonate executives, supervisors, or trusted contacts, using a sense of urgency to pressure recipients into buying gift cards or transferring funds under the guise of a business requirement.

How to Recognize a Phishing Email

1. Unexpected Requests: Any sudden pleas for money or sensitive information should immediately raise suspicion. Verify these requests directly through a known phone number before taking any action.
2. Unverified Sources: Always verify the origin of a request through known, independent contact details. UM officials or departments will never ask for banking or personal details through unsolicited communication.
3. Sense of Urgency: Phishing emails often create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act quickly without thinking. Be cautious of any email that demands immediate action.
4. Poor Spelling and Grammar: Many phishing emails contain spelling and grammatical errors. If an email looks unprofessional, it could be a scam.

How to Protect Yourself

• Verify Requests: If you receive an email asking you to buy gift cards, verify the request through official channels before taking any action. Call your supervisor or the person requesting the gift cards using a known phone number.
• Report Suspicious Emails: If you suspect a phishing email, report it to IST Service Desk or spam@umanitoba.ca.
• Stay Informed: Educate yourself about the signs of phishing emails and how to respond to them. Regular training and awareness programs can help prevent these scams.

Information Security Starts with You

The holiday season is a prime time for cybercriminals to exploit the generosity and busy schedules of shoppers. By staying informed and cautious, you can enjoy a scam-free holiday season. For more information on how to protect yourself from phishing scams, visit https://umanitoba.ca/information-services-technology/information-security-compliance/email-security

IST Communications