Students Targeted with False Offers of Employment

Targeted students are sent fraudulent checks to obtain personally identifiable information. They are instructed to deposit the check and then immediately withdraw funds and wire them back to the employer to cover the costs of training or supplies related to the position.

There is never a legitimate reason for an employer to send you funds and then request they be wired back. This activity could have serious impacts on an individual's financial well-being.  

Warning Signs of a Scam:

• The offer sounds too good to be true.
• You have had no previous contact with the company.
• Unprofessional emails that contain spelling, grammar and punctuation errors and/or from a personal email account with no contact information.
• Asking for confidential/personal information by email or online forms.
• Sending you a check to transfer funds or wanting you to make purchases for work items.

Report suspicious email messages to abuse@uark.edu. If you have any questions, contact the IT Services Security team at security@uark.edu or call the IT Service Desk at 479-575-2905.