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Beware of Gift Card Scams

Overview and details on SCU's Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

What is a Gift Card Scam?

Gift card scams involve a scammer pretending to be someone you know or trust and asking you to purchase gift cards for them. They may use various communication methods, including text messages, emails, or phone calls. The scammer then asks for the gift card numbers and PINs, allowing them to use the funds without possessing the physical card.

How to Recognize a Gift Card Scam:

Unfamiliar Contact Icon

Unfamiliar Contact Information: The message comes from an unfamiliar phone number or email address that does not match the official contact information of the person they claim to be.
Urgent Request Icon

Urgent or Unusual Requests: The message contains urgent language, pressuring you to act quickly. They request gift cards for personal or professional reasons, which is unusual and not a standard practice.
Suspicious Email Phishing

Suspicious Language and Errors: The message may contain grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, or language that doesn't match the style of the person they claim to be.

What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Message:

Verify Contact

Verify the Contact: If you receive a text message from an unfamiliar phone number, or an email from a non-SCU email address, and it claims to be from an SCU employee, please use some alternative method of communication (SCU phone number or email address) to verify the contact, or reach out to their office.
Report Issue

Report the Issue: Immediately report the suspicious message to the Information Security Office. Provide any details you can, such as screenshots, the phone number, or the email address used by the scammer.
No Response

Do Not Respond or Provide Information: Do not reply to the message or provide any personal information, gift card numbers, or PINs.
Block Number

Block the Number: Use your cell phone settings to block the number to prevent further contact from the scammer.

Additional Tips to Protect Yourself:

  • Be Skeptical: Always be cautious of unsolicited messages requesting personal or financial information.
  • Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common scam tactics and share this information with colleagues and students.
  • Use Official Channels: Communicate through official SCU channels and verify any requests that seem unusual.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact the SCU Information Security Office at iso@scu.edu.

 

Nov 12, 2024