Phishing emails are among the most common ways cybercriminals attempt to trick students into revealing sensitive information. At GVSU, we’re seeing a rise in phishing schemes targeting students with fake job or internship offers. Don’t be a victim—stay alert and protect yourself!

Recognizing Phishing Emails
Phishing emails often appear legitimate but have subtle clues that give them away. Here are some common signs:

• Suspicious Sender Addresses: Legitimate GVSU communications will come from an email address ending in @gvsu.edu. Be wary of messages from generic domains like gmail.com, yahoo.com, or others claiming to represent GVSU or its partners.
• Too Good to Be True Offers: Be cautious of emails offering high-paying jobs or internships with little effort or no interview process. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Urgency or Pressure: Phishing emails often create a sense of urgency, such as “Apply Now!” or “Limited Time Only!” to make you act without thinking.
• Unusual Requests: Be skeptical if the email asks for personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank details, or GVSU login credentials

Protecting Yourself
Follow these tips to stay safe:

• Verify the Sender: Always double-check the sender’s email address. If it’s not from @gvsu.edu, proceed with caution.
• Research the Opportunity: If you receive a job or internship offer, look up the company independently to confirm it’s legitimate. Check the company’s official website or contact them directly.
• Never Share Sensitive Information: Legitimate employers won’t ask for personal details like your Social Security number or bank account information over email.
• Look for Grammar and Spelling Errors: Professional organizations usually send emails free of errors. A poorly written email is a red flag.
• Report Suspicious Emails: If you suspect an email is a phishing attempt, do not respond or click on any links. Instead, forward it to the GVSU IT Service Desk at [email protected]. 

What to Do if You’ve Been Targeted
If you believe you’ve fallen for a phishing email:

• Change Your Passwords Immediately: Update your GVSU and other critical accounts with strong, unique passwords.
• Contact the IT Service Desk: Our team can help secure your account and guide you on next steps.
• Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your bank statements and email activity for any unusual behavior. 

Stay Informed
Cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to deceive people. Staying informed and vigilant is your best defense. For more cybersecurity tips and resources, visit the GVSU IT Security website at www.gvsu.edu/cybersafety.

Let’s work together to keep our Laker community safe from phishing scams. If you’re ever in doubt about an email, reach out for help before you act. Stay sharp, Lakers!