New Phishing Scams Requesting Funds Overseas

Information Technology Services has received reports of new phishing email scams appearing to come from a person whose name is familiar to the community. These scam messages claim that the person is overseas, in trouble, and waiting for assistance from the local embassy or consulate. The message then asks the recipient for financial help.

In some cases, attackers have taken control of the alleged sender's off-campus email account, such as Gmail or Hotmail. In other cases, the attacker has created an account that closely resembles a real account. For example, instead of john.doe@gmail.com, the attacker uses johnn.doe@gmail.com. Sample emails are shown at the bottom of this message.

Please be wary of any email that asks you to follow a link or send money — even those that appear to come from people you know. In general, follow these rules:

• Never click on links in email messages.
• Never respond, even if the email looks real, to unsolicited messages, or provide personal or financial information requested in an email.
• Report suspicious messages to abuse@uark.edu and delete them immediately.
• If you think you have responded to a phishing email, change your account password immediately. If you use the same password for multiple accounts, change it for those services as well.

For additional questions, contact the IT Security Office at security@uark.edu or the Help Desk at 575-2905.

Example message 1:

From: Lynn F. Jacobs (lynnfjacobs@yahoo.com)
Date: Mon, August 15, 2011 3:56:12 -0500
Subject: HI

Hope you get this on time, I made a trip to the UK(Scotland) and had my bag stolen from me with my passport and credit cards in it. The embassy is willing to help by letting me fly without my passport, I just have to pay for a ticket and settle Hotel bills. Unfortunately for me, I can't have access to funds without my credit card, I've made contact with my bank but they need more time to come up with a new one. I was thinking of asking you to lend me some quick funds that I can give back as soon as I get in.
I really need to be on the next available flight.
I can forward you details on how you can get the funds to me. You can reach me via my alternative email lynfjacobs@yahoo.com or on May Marriott Aberdeen Hotel front desk phone, the numbers is +44702-409-8795.

Example message 2:

From: Paula Barnes (drbarnes@BELLSOUTH.NET)
Date: Mon, 15 Aug 2011 07:57:15 -0700
Subject: My trip to spain

Hope you get this on time,sorry I didn't inform you about my trip in Spain for a program, I'm presently in Madrid and am having some difficulties here because i misplaced my wallet on my way to the hotel where my money and other valuable things were kept.I want you to assist me with a loan of ($2,400) to sort-out my hotel bills and to get myself back home.

I have spoken to the embassy here but they are not responding to the matter effectively,I will appreciate whatever you can afford to assist me with,I'll Refund the money back to you as soon as i return, let me know if you can be of any help. I don't have a phone where i can be reached.
Please let me know immediately.

Regards,
Paula