While searching for internships and summer jobs, it's important that students are aware of potential phishing scams. Hackers will take advantage of this time to attract students on the hunt for jobs with false offers designed to trick you into providing sensitive, personal data.

Phishing scams are attempts to get passwords, credit card details and other personal information through emails that look dangerously legitimate. Fake businesses or institutions draw students in with enticing claims and use malicious links to steal information you might have stored on your device. 

Fortunately, your UARK Gmail account automatically filters suspicious email and sends them straight to your spam folder. Unfortunately, phishing scams are getting more and more sophisticated and can still end up in your Inbox.

Don't take the bait! IT Services recommends the following tips for recognizing these scams:

• Be suspicious of any email asking you to enter or verify personal information.
• Avoid sending sensitive data via email, such as social security numbers, credit card or bank account information.
• Do not reply or click links within suspicious email, as they are often not what they seem to be. Phishing emails often contain embedded links, which are links hidden behind what appear to be legitimate ones. 
• Don't fall for the hype! Phishing scams will provoke a sense of urgency, for example, saying you must act quickly or an account will expire.
• Verify the contact information by contacting the person that sent you the email.
• Don't even open the email if you didn't apply for the job.
• Permanently delete messages in your spam folder to avoid accidentally clicking on it later on. 

If you or someone you know has fallen for a phishing scam, change your password immediately at password.uark.edu and email security@uark.edu with the details of the original message. Report abusive or suspicious email with expanded headers.

Learn more about protecting yourself from falling victim to phishing scams.