9/4/2024: Beware of phishing emails targeting financial aid information
Recently, members of the URI community have received phishing emails urging recipients to complete fake forms related to financial aid and asking them to submit credentials. These emails may ask for sensitive information like your login credentials, e-Campus password, birthdate, or bank mobile login details, often using urgent subject lines such as “Urgent: Immediate Action Required – Complete Your Financial Aid Validation Form!”
These emails are phishing attempts designed to steal your personal information for fraudulent use. Please be aware that URI Information Technology Services and other URI units will never ask for sensitive information through Google Forms or other unofficial channels.
If you encounter a form asking for login details or other sensitive information, stop and report the email (see below) and contact the IT Service Desk.
How to Report Phishing Emails
If you receive a phishing email:
- Do not respond or provide any information.
- Click the PhishAlarm button in your Gmail toolbar to report the email directly to IT Security Services.
- Learn more about the PhishAlarm.
If you clicked on the link and entered personal information:
- Reset Your Password: Visit the ITS website and join the Service Desk Zoom session.
- Reject Unrecognized DUO Requests: Do not approve any unexpected DUO authentication prompts.
Additional Security Measures:
- For all password resets and sensitive requests, URI requires identity verification using a photo ID in person or via video. Password changes cannot be completed via email for security reasons.
- The IT Service Desk is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
Stay vigilant, and if you have any questions, please get in touch with the IT Service Desk. Thank you for helping keep our community secure.
9/27/2023: Fraudulent “Open Alcohol Container” Extortion Calls
The URI Police Department is investigating a recent uptick in “Open Container Violation” extortion calls. There have been numerous incidents where a family member or friend has received a call from a Rhode Island phone number stating that a loved one had been arrested on “open container charges.” The caller then attempts to extort money from the family member or friend to resolve the issue. The payment is requested through an app such as Venmo or Chime and the amount requested varies, such as $290 or $278. This is under investigation, and it appears the scammer is targeting individuals on athletics teams. If you receive a call and have any questions about whether it is an extortion scheme, contact the URI Police at 401-874-4910 or call 911 immediately.