Are you looking for a job? While looking for a job, be on the lookout for cybercriminals because they are looking for you. At the end of a semester, it is common for cybercriminals to target students, faculty and staff who may be looking for a job.
Cybercriminals will target you with emails “inviting you to interview with their company.” The emails will include a sense of urgency, such as “interview with us now because slots are filling up” or “schedule your interview now before the position is filled.”
Some cybercriminals will ask you to download a particular app or device for the interview. Do not click on any links or download any apps; this is a scam. These malicious apps can install malware on your device and leak personal information. After stealing your information, cybercriminals could use it to impersonate you, commit financial fraud or scam other unsuspecting people via your accounts.
What can you do to protect yourself?
First of all, think about the job. Did you apply for a job with this company? If not, why would a company randomly send you an interview request? The email is likely a phishing scam if you did not apply for a job.
If you did apply for a job, you still need to be vigilant. Take the time to ensure the email isn’t a phishing scam. Phishing scams are emails cybercriminals send to trick you into sharing your personal information.
Signs that an email is a phishing scam:
- Urgent or threatening tone.
- Email address doesn’t match the sender’s name.
- Unexpected attachments.
- Generic greeting.
- Typos, misspellings and improper grammar.
- Fake web addresses that are made to look legitimate.
- Hover over the hyperlink text. Does the link text differ from the destination?
Open a new browser and search for the company’s contact information when in doubt. Do not call any numbers listed in the suspicious email or click on any company info links in the suspicious email.
Call the company and ask to speak to their hiring or human resources department. Someone from the hiring or human resources department can verify the information if the company legitimately sent you an interview email.
If you receive a suspicious email, forward it to abuse@ksu.edu and include the email headers in your message. To learn more, view K-State’s Phishing Scam webpage.
