Beware of Fraudulent Text Messages

UPDATE: Most cell phone carriers offer a service to help stop spam and fraudulent text messages. Forward the contents of the spam text message and send it to SPAM (7726). You will receive a response from your cell phone carrier once they receive the text message. iPhone users are able to report blue-bubble iMessage texts by clicking the "Report Junk" link that is shown when an unknown person sends you a message. You can find more details about reporting spam text messages at this link.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

ITS has learned of several external schemes that start with a text message to a user's cell phone indicating that they are eligible for a $1200 stimulus payment.  The text messages typically provide a fraudulent website that attempts to solicit personal information which may include Social Security Number, banking information, or other personal information which can be used later by the attacker.

Sample Message:

"You have a pending direct deposit of $1,200 from COVID-19 TREAS FUND. Further action is required to accept this payment into your account. Continue here to accept this payment"

If you receive a similar message, simply delete it.  While it is unlikely that you will be contacted via text message regarding potential stimulus packages, we suggest validating similar message with state or federal government authorities rather than replying o the message.

Note: There is no indication that these fraudulent messages are related to Manhattan College.

Manhattan College ITS Statement - Unemployment Claim Fraud

Manhattan College has received some inquiries from our community with respect to the ongoing nationwide unemployment benefit fraud scam. Reports of unemployment fraud have been widely identified in neighboring states such as Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, and are now being reported in New York.

At this time, Manhattan College ITS has determined that none of its internal systems have been compromised and no intrusion has occurred. Our analysis has revealed that the data breach(s) resulting in the fraudulent unemployment claims are not associated with Manhattan College.

We are in contact with relevant data processing partners, however, we have not been informed to date of any breaches that would have exposed the personal information of Manhattan College employees as required by law.

If you believe that you are a victim of unemployment fraud, you should alert your state’s Department of Labor by following the U.S. Department of Labor's guidance. Manhattan College ITS also provides a summary of remediation steps.

Manhattan College ITS continues to actively monitor this situation. Protecting our community and their data from malicious activity is a top priority for ITS.

List of responses:

• NY State Department of Labor
• ADP

Phishing Attack Awareness