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Phishing Scheme Targets SLU Community

A new phishing scheme is targeting the SLU community, seeking credit card information. 

According to Information Technology Services (ITS), a SLU student worker received a call on Monday, July 3, from a person claiming to be from a bank. The person asked for the student for credit card information. The student did not provide the information, ended the call and called the University's IT Security and Compliance department.

ITS has identified the call as a case of "Social Engineering." Social Engineering is a type of phishing scheme that uses deception in order to obtain access to sensitive information or to entice someone to perform a task for the intruder's benefit. These individuals employ tactics such as phishing via email, by placing deceptive phone calls to request sensitive information and "tailgating," which is when an intruder gains access to a physical area by appealing to an authorized user.

SLU community members are advised not to give out information including IDs, passwords, credit card or financial information or any information that could be deemed confidential to an unknown person who calls or emails.

As a reminder, ITS will never ask for an ID or password via phone or email. If a SLU user receives a suspicious phone call or email, she or he should contact IT Security and Compliance immediately at infosecurityteam@slu.edu or call 314-977-4000.