! WARNING: To trick people into responding, scammers sometimes use publicly available information to send emails. As always, staff should maintain a heightened state of awareness and proceed with caution when receiving email messages containing hyperlinks, including QR codes, and attachments.
Below is an example of a common phishing email using this trick. Notice the scammer uses the name of an HCPSS principal but the email is coming from an external email system, gmail.com. The scammer is trying to create a sense of urgency and start an email exchange, which will result in the person asking for the staff member to buy and send gift card information to them.
EXAMPLE:
From: Alexcia Redd reddalexcia@gmail.com
Sent: Monday, August 26, 2024 5:35 PM
To: Nick Vissari <Nick_Vissari@hcpss.org>
Subject: [External] Can I have a short word with you asap,Whats the best number to reach you?! CAUTION: This email originated from outside of HCPSS. Do not click links or open attachments, unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Are you available right now?
Learn more about phishing attacks on the Technology Support Canvas community and access the Knowbe4 system on the Staff Hub under the Services tab to learn more about cyber security.
Employees are encouraged to forward any suspected phishing emails to abuse@hcpss.org, and then delete the email. If assistance is still needed, contact the Technology Support at TechSupport@hcpss.org.