Security - Example: Phishing attempt offers financial help to employees 07.12.22

Examples of ways to identify a phishing attempt

How can I tell if a message is legit?

Be suspicious if ANY of these clues appear...

  1. This sender does not have a UW System or UW Platteville email address.  Information on employee benefits would come from these two official sources.
  2. Message offers a large sum of money for a national initiative that ended or has diminished in the last year.  Does it make sense to get this offer--and this much--at this time?
  3. Hovering over the link displays an unfamiliar URL, which is neither UW System nor UW Platteville.
  4. The signature contains no identifying or contact information (title, department, phone number). Do you recognize this person? Would this person be sending you this information?

Image illustrates the email phishing indicators listed in this article.

Need help?

If you have questions, please contact the ITS Help Desk at 608.342.1400 or helpdesk@uwplatt.edu.  You may also visit the Help Desk on the first floor of the Karrmann Library.

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