Cyber scams are designed to steal identification, Social Security Numbers, or bank account information. Rensselaer's IT department sends warnings about known attacks and can prevent most scam emails, but not all. Be aware of suspicious emails and delete them immediately.
If you have any suspicions or doubt about an email, please contact the Help Desk.
An important notice from the IT Department:
- The IT Department will never ask for users’ passwords, or ask them to visit a website to verify their account.
- Information in emails can be faked. If you ever have any doubts about an email message, look up the person’s or business’s contact information and get in touch with them directly to confirm if the message is legitimate.
- Immediately be suspicious of anyone who sends you an email message but claims to be unavailable in the case of an emergency.
- Unexpected email attachments regarding failed package deliveries, invoices, purchases, gift cards or banking matters are also highly suspicious. Don't open them! Either contact the vendor directly or notify the Help Desk .
- Your RPI password should be unique, don't ever use it on other sites. Also remember that your manager does not need – and so should never have reason to ask for – your password. Managers should contact the Help Desk if they ever need to setup access to your RPI account.
If you received and responded to a suspicious offer:
- Change your account password if you ever provided it or used it on a fake login page, or used it on multiple sites.
- Cancel your current credit card and have a new one issued if you ever provided your credit card information on a questionable website.
- Cancel your current credit card and have a new one issued if you ever provided your credit card information on a questionable website.
- Contact your local, state, or federal law enforcement agency; Public Safety can assist with this matter.
