Procurement & Supplier Diversity Services has noticed an increase in attempts to scam individuals throughout the University with a request to purchase gift cards. We have provided an example of one of the most recent scam attempt below, and links to helpful resources.
Please help us fight fraud by reviewing the tips listed below.
The email, pasted below, appears to come from an Associate Dean or Chair requesting that the recipient purchase gift cards. The subject line of the latest emails is “Inquiry” and the email chain usually starts with “Got a minute” or “Available?"
Hi,
I need you to get Gift Card for me. Can you Purchase a Google Play Gift Card for me today?. Get back to me so i can give you a full details about this.
Regards,
Please let me know if you have any questions and we will be happy to help.
Thank you
Remember that requests to purchase gift cards should be questioned closely, and that if you are unsure about the legitimacy of any email you receive, forward it to abuse@virginia.edu and contact the supposed person who sent it using the email address you have for them.
Please see the Information Security Alerts & Warnings webpage for a full list of current warnings at UVA, and Information Security’s webpage of phishing examples.