News Archive

Phishing email

Phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal person information, such as passwords and credit card numbers, online.

BITS provides the following advice on how to manage Phishing scams (or suspicious) email messages:

• DO NOT click on any links, open any attachments, or respond to the sender.
• No UWA department will ever ask for username and password details to be emailed. Do NOT respond to such emails.
• Be wary of emails that contain a web link. If you believe it to be genuine, avoid clicking the link - instead, type the address in.
• Remain vigilant when using your computer as that is the best defence against fraudulent and/or mischievous activity.
• If you have been caught out by a phishing scam, immediately change your password.
• If you suspect your machine has been infected by a virus, you need to disconnect your machine from the network and contact your local IT support group or the BITS Service Desk immediately.

Telephone scam

It is common for scammers to pose as staff from well-known companies and organisations asking for personal details, business information, payments or remote access to your computer.

When dealing with uninvited contacts, always consider the possibility that the approach may be a scam.

If unsure, verify the identity of the contact through an independent source such as a phone book or online search.

If you receive a call from someone who claims to work in BITS and you are uncomfortable with providing a response then please ask that they send an email outlining their request.

Further Information

For further information about protecting yourself from scamming emails, see https://www.bits.uwa.edu.au/it-help/email/staff/spam/phishing