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 To the ����AV��Ƶ Community,

Malicious actors utilizing a scam focusing on employment opportunities have been targeting college-aged students across the country, including those attending ����AV��Ƶ.

In this scam, the suspect initiates contact with potential victims via mass email. The email, seemingly sent from a university faculty member, serves as an advertisement for a university employment opportunity. Although the specific job advertised may vary, it often revolves around an administrative or research assistant position. Upon the victim’s response to the job posting, the suspect proceeds to ask a series of interview questions, extracting personal information during the process. Subsequently, the suspect offers employment and sends a fraudulent check to the victim, purportedly for the purchase of office supplies and gift cards. The suspect then requests that the remaining funds, along with the security codes from the gift cards, be returned. Unfortunately, the fraudulent check bounces, leaving the victim responsible for reimbursing their credit agency for the withdrawn funds

On Monday, Aug. 25, the University Police at ����AV��Ƶ received three separate reports of this scam occurring on campus. 

To minimize the risk of falling victim to this or any scam, consider implementing the following preventive measures:

1. Treat all emails related to employment opportunities with the utmost suspicion and always verify the legitimacy of any university employment by contacting ����AV��Ƶ University’s Human Resources department (Telephone: 607-777-2187) before responding.
2. Never disclose any personal information online, including passwords, cell phone numbers, dates of birth, addresses or common security questions such as your mother’s maiden name.
3. Always verify the legitimacy of a check before cashing it by speaking with a bank teller. If a fraudulent check bounces, the depositor could be held responsible for reimbursement.
4. Never purchase or send gift cards as a form of payment. If you are asked to buy a gift card on behalf of a colleague who claims to be tied up in a meeting and unable to talk, contact the university police. This is a variation of the scam.

In the unfortunate event that you are facing extortion or have fallen victim to an online scam, report the incident to the university police at (607) 777-2393 immediately. Information can also be reported anonymously through the University Police website at: /police/anonymous-tips.html.

Your prompt reporting is crucial for our ability to provide swift assistance and effectively address the situation.

This message has been delivered to all active users of the ����AV��Ƶ electronic mail system. This message is posted for the ����AV��Ƶ community in compliance with the “Timely Warning” provisions of the federal Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act.You cannot be removed from these distributions. There is no reason to forward this message to individuals or mailing lists within the ����AV��Ƶ mail system, as it is already distributed to everyone.