91茄子

ITS has received multiple reports regarding circulation of emails with out-of-the-ordinary subject lines, such as 鈥淧iano Giveaways," "Tool Giveaways鈥� or emails that ask for gift cards, encourage you to open an attachment or click on a link. These are phishing attempts. Phishing is an attempt to get personal and sensitive information from you via emails.

91茄子鈥檚 Information Technology Services will never request passwords or personal information via email.

A 91茄子email account phishing@wilkes.edu email link has been created to aid in identifying potential threats. Please continue to forward any questionable emails to phishing@wilkes.edu email link and refrain from responding to any message you are not certain is genuine. The campus community will be advised of new threats as they are identified. Please contact the Help Desk at x4357 or 1-866-1462 with any questions or concerns.

For more information, view the

What is a Phishing Email?

A phishing email is a message that attempts to steal personal information in regards to your identity.

How to Recognize a Phishing Email

A phishing email appears in a variety of forms. Here are a few ways to help you recognize a phishing email. It's important to remember that 91茄子鈥檚 Information Technology Services will never request passwords or personal information via email.

• Phishing emails may appear to come from places you do business with (banks, social media websites). They may also appear to be from someone you know or an employer. There are two forms of phishing in particular.
  • Spear Phishing is a targeted form of phishing where the email appears to come from an employer or colleague (such as an IT email).
  • Phone Phishing is a form of phishing in which the email directs you to make a phone call to a customer service line. Generally, these phone numbers lead to a person or automated response which requests personal information.
• Phishing emails may also use official logos or banners taken directly from the actual website. Often links in the email will refer to a spoofed (or fake) website.

Phishing Links

Phishing links are links that direct you to a spoofed website. Here are some things to look out for:

• Often phishing links will be very similar to an official sites link. They could be off by one or two letters, but look familiar enough that someone will click on them. For example:
  • Correct Link:
  • Phishing Link: https//www.wlkes.edu
• Phishing links also contain hidden forms or links. They often mask the link by having it appear one way, but link to completely different link.
• If you are uncomfortable or concerned about an email, the best response is to delete it. Never provide personal information via email. Do not click a link in an email if you are unsure of the contents, even if it's from a friend or co-worker.

Most importantly, please remember that 91茄子鈥檚 Information Technology Services will never request passwords or personal information via email. For more information, please visit or view the Resources information below.

If You Gave Out Your Username or Password in Response to a Spam or Phishing Email

Immediately change the password for the account. You can find instructions for changing your 91茄子account password on our ITS FAQ page.

Important Information if You Suspect You Are a Victim of Fraud or Identity Theft

Placing a Fraud Alert on Your Credit File.

You may place an initial one-year 鈥淔raud Alert鈥� on your credit files, at no charge. A fraud alert tells creditors to contact you personally before they open any new accounts. To place a fraud alert, call any one of the three major credit bureaus at the numbers listed below. As soon as one credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, they will notify the others.

Equifax
P.O. Box 105069
Atlanta, GA 30348-5069

(800) 525-6285

Experian
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013

(888) 397-3742

TransUnion
Fraud Victim Assistance Department
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016-2000

(800) 680-7289

Consider Placing a Security Freeze on Your Credit File

If you are very concerned about becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft, you may request a 鈥淪ecurity Freeze鈥� be placed on your credit file, at no charge. A security freeze prohibits, with certain specific exceptions, the consumer reporting agencies from releasing your credit report or any information from it without your express authorization. You may place a security freeze on your credit report by contacting nationwide credit reporting companies at the numbers below and following the stated directions or by sending a request in writing, by mail, to all three credit reporting companies:

Equifax Security Freeze
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348-5788

(888) 298-0045

Experian Security Freeze
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013

(888) 397-3742

TransUnion Security Freeze
P.O. Box 160
Woodlyn, PA 19094

(888) 909-8872

In order to place the security freeze, you鈥檒l need to supply your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number and other personal information. After receiving your freeze request, each credit reporting company will send you a confirmation letter containing a unique PIN (personal identification number) or password. Keep the PIN or password in a safe place. You will need it if you choose to lift the freeze.

If your personal information has been used to file a false tax return, to open an account or to attempt to open an account in your name or to commit fraud or other crimes against you, you may file a police report in the City in which you currently reside.

Obtaining a Free Credit Report

Under federal law, you are entitled to one free credit report every 12 months from each of the above three major nationwide credit reporting companies. Call 1-877-322-8228 or request your free credit reports online at . Once you receive your credit reports, review them for discrepancies. Identify any accounts you did not open or inquiries from creditors that you did not authorize. Verify all information is correct. If you have questions or notice incorrect information, contact the credit reporting company.

Additional Helpful Resources

Even if you do not find any suspicious activity on your initial credit reports, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends that you check your credit reports periodically. Checking your credit report periodically can help you spot problems and address them quickly.

If you find suspicious activity on your credit reports or have reason to believe your information is being misused, call your local law enforcement agency and file a police report. Be sure to obtain a copy of the police report, as many creditors will want the information it contains to absolve you of the fraudulent debts. You may also file a complaint with the FTC by contacting them on the web at www.ftc.gov/idtheft, by phone at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338), or by mail at Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Response Center, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580. Your complaint will be added to the FTC鈥檚 Identity Theft Data Clearinghouse, where it will be accessible to law enforcement for their investigations. In addition, you may obtain information from the FTC about fraud alerts and security freezes.

If your financial account information and/or credit or debit card information was impacted, it is recommended that you contact your financial institution to inquire about steps to take to protect your account, including whether you should close your account or obtain a new account number.