Job Scam Email
Recently, an email circulated to UA users, supposedly offering employment. Here is a sample of this email (edited for length):
May 16, 2020
My name is xxx and I work with the HandShake, and my job is to provide part-time employment for qualified students during the academic year and beyond. I have contacted you because there is an opening for you at CDS and below are the lines from your potential employer:
My name is ... <snip>.
This is a very simple employment. You will only help me mail letters, make payments at Walmart and purchase some items for the new Hybrid Teachers when needed. This employment only takes 6 hours a day and 4 times a week for $620.00
I am unable to meet up for an interview because I am currently away and helping the disabled students in Canada.
You will be paid in advance for all tasks and purchases to be done on my behalf. Some of my personal letters and mails will be forwarded to your residence or nearby post office for you to pick up at your convenience. Upon my arrival we will discuss the possibility of making this a long-term employment if I am impressed with your services while I am away. My arrival is scheduled for the last week of June 2020.
To be considered for this position, use your "alternate email (different from school email)" to contact your employer directly by sending an email with your details as follows:
Full name,
Current Residential Address,
Alternate email (different from school email)
Cell #.
Dr. John Mazzariello
scam-email@xxx
Although this email references Handshake, UA’s student career portal, it is NOT a legitimate job offer.
“Phishy” Elements of This Email
- It's too good to be true. Phishing and email scams often tempt us with offers that seem too good to be true.
In this case, a job that shows up soliciting you for a “very simple employment” of
essentially shopping and mailing letters for $31 an hour. This email appears to come
from a university address, as well as mention the Handshake platform, which aims to
give it validity.
- Offers an excuse as to why they can't meet in person. Asks you to handle their personal correspondence at your home or local post office.
- Asks for personal information. This email offers a reward for your compliance (payment up front and a chance at a full-time job in the field). This personal information could be enough to answer any security questions you have on various accounts and could put their security at risk.
Did you respond to an email like this? What To Do If You've Given Your Personal Information To A Fraudulent Employer.