The start of the school year is a prime time for hackers to target students and staff. Use this checklist to spot red flags and protect your data.
1. Spot the Red Flags
Be suspicious if you receive unexpected messages about:
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Urgent Account Issues: Emails claiming there is a problem with your UC Berkeley registration or student account.
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Fake Payments: Demands for a "federal student tax" (the IRS will never call to demand immediate wire transfers) or "tuition payment processors."
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Unexpected Help: Calls from "Tech Support," Microsoft, or Apple claiming your computer has a virus.
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Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers: Fast cash for working from home, easy scholarships, or cheap textbook rentals.
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Suspicious Links: Fake Google Doc or Box notifications, even from people you think you know.
2. Take Action to Stay Safe
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Pause Before You Click: Never click links or open attachments in unexpected emails. If a message looks official but feels "off," contact the department directly using a phone number or website you find yourself.
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Keep Passwords Private: No legitimate school office or tech company will ever ask for your password. Never share it.
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Strengthen Your Login: Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on every account that allows it.
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Verify the Sender: Scammers can easily fake "official" names and logos. Always double-check the sender's actual email address.
3. Resources & Reporting
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See Real Examples: Check the Phish Tank to see actual scam emails recently sent to campus.
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Learn More: Visit our Education materials for tips on building better security habits.
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Official Warnings: Read more about Tech Support Scams and the IRS Student Tax Scam.