Text Impersonation Attacks

As a part of our commitment to the digital security of the University community, we would like to inform students, faculty, and staff of scams including texts that appear to come from University executives or employees. 

What do these attacks look like?
These text messages are often brief conversations that appear to be from a University executive. They will often solicit a conversation from the recipient to gain personal information or an urgent request. These attacks may come directly to a mobile device via text or text to email. Never respond to these types of texts.

 

               

What is the best response to these attacks?
For attacks that come to your mobile device directly via text, we recommend copying the message and forwarding it to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages in the future. Additionally, these attacks should be reported to the FTC via ReportFraud.ftc.gov. More information on how to report these attacks is available on the FTC's website at How To Report Spam Text Messages.

How can I prevent falling victim to these types of attacks?

  • Do not respond to numbers that you do not know. If it is someone you normally communicate with, contact the Kean employee directly via their Kean contact information. If you do not normally communicate with the person claiming to have sent the text, do not respond to them. 
  • Be cautious of urgent requests or communication from Kean executives or employees who do not normally contact you.
  • Do not disclose any personal information with unknown numbers.


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