The Phish Tank

Phishing Impersonation

Welcome to the "Phish Tank"

This page highlights examples of phishing emails received on campus. These examples are intended to educate every Berkeley email user on how to spot a phish. If you receive an email not listed here and that seems suspicious, report it via the methods listed above. For more tips on avoiding phish, visit our Fight the Phish page.

 

How to report phishing:

  • Open the message

  • To the right of 'Reply' arrow

  • Select 'More' (typically denoted with three vertical dots)

  • Then 'Report phishing'

If you are unable to log into bMail, forward the message to phishing@berkeley.edu

Financial Phishing Attacks

October 11, 2021
Watch out for financial "spear phishing" emails.

These may look like they come from a supervisor or manager and request that you send funds, transfer money, provide banking information, buy gift cards, or provide something of value to the sender.

...Read more about Financial Phishing Attacks

Recognizing & Avoiding Job Scams

September 22, 2021
Are you on the lookout for flexible, part-time employment to help cover school expenses? If so, watch out for scams.

Between the COVID-19 pandemic and high unemployment rates, the pressure to find a job may create more pressure for you to find work quickly. UC Berkeley...Read more about Recognizing & Avoiding Job Scams

PHISHING EXAMPLE: student email directly

September 10, 2021
Hi Student, I am Dr Ralph Abraham, I feel comfortable discussing this WORK- STUDY opening with you since you were referred by the university chamber of commerce. I am very busy, that is why I have asked for your help as my temporary personal assistant. I provide individual and group therapy,...Read more about PHISHING EXAMPLE: student email directly

PHISHING EXAMPLE: WORK AFTER CLASSES OFFER ($500 WEEKLY SALARY)

September 10, 2021
Hello, Are you currently in the US? Here is an opportunity for you to work part time after classes and earn $500 weekly. The job is completely done online and can be completed anytime in the evening/night at home and won't take much of your time daily, you don't have to be online all day and don't...Read more about PHISHING EXAMPLE: WORK AFTER CLASSES OFFER ($500 WEEKLY SALARY)

PHISHING EXAMPLE: WORK FROM HOME / BERKELEY PAID JOB OFFER

September 10, 2021
Dear Student, We got your contact through your school database and I'm happy to inform you that our reputable company Cisco Systems Inc® is currently running a student empowerment program. This program is to help devoted and hardworking students secure a part time job which does not deter them from...Read more about PHISHING EXAMPLE: WORK FROM HOME / BERKELEY PAID JOB OFFER

PHISHING EXAMPLE: Attention: website.berkeley.edu DMCA Copyright Infringement Notice

August 18, 2021
Hello! My name is Shafaq. Your website or a website that your company hosts is infringing on a copyright-protected images owned by myself. Take a look at this document with the links to my images you used at website.berkeley.edu and my earlier publications to get the evidence of my copyrights...Read more about PHISHING EXAMPLE: Attention: website.berkeley.edu DMCA Copyright Infringement Notice

PHISHING EXAMPLE: Research Assistant

July 12, 2021
Berkeley University of California is seeking an Research Assistant / services of a competent Undergraduate Student Administrative Assistant to work Part-time and get paid $350 weekly. Tasks will be carried out remotely. If interested, Do text your name to (808) 378-1179 so as to proceed Bernhard...Read more about PHISHING EXAMPLE: Research Assistant

PHISHING EXAMPLE: UPDATE REQUIRED ON @berkeley.edu

May 26, 2021
Outgoing Mail Error Due to server error, 6 new mails you sent from recipient@berkeley.edu are stucked in berkeley.edu Release below to re-send all stuck emails to the destination boxes. Release Emails This is a mandatory berkeley.edu...Read more about PHISHING EXAMPLE: UPDATE REQUIRED ON @berkeley.edu

PHISHING EXAMPLE: DC Dox

May 19, 2021
matbrown19732@gmail.com has shared the following document: DC.docx [image: Unknown profile photo]Jim Knowlton shared a file with you Open matbrown19732@gmail.com is outside...Read more about PHISHING EXAMPLE: DC Dox

PHISHING EXAMPLE: Account Suspension Request

May 19, 2021
Access to recipient@berkeley.edu will be suspended as per request received by admin at 5/12/2021 11:21:48 p.m. UTC. If you would like to cancel this request you may proceed below. *Cancel Now * Best Regards,Read more about PHISHING EXAMPLE: Account Suspension Request

PHISHING EXAMPLE: Lab Report

May 19, 2021
This is to inform you that your laboratory result is ready. You can access your results via the following link: https://results.pmhlaboratoXXXXXXXXX.html(link is external) You must provide your NAME and DATE OF BIRTH in...Read more about PHISHING EXAMPLE: Lab Report

PHISHING EXAMPLE: You recently made a request to deactivate email.

May 18, 2021
Dear Customer, You recently made a request to deactivate email. This request will be processed shortly. If you did not make this request, cancel the request now. Cancel Deactivation If you do not cancel this request, your account will be deactivated and all your email data will be lost. Sincerely,...Read more about PHISHING EXAMPLE: You recently made a request to deactivate email.