August 25, 2009

David A. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in South Carolina, advises college students and staff members in South Carolina to be cautious of a recurring phishing scam.

College students and staff members could receive “phishing” emails requesting their user ID and password information in relation to a server repair. Do not respond. This “phishing” scam is allowing spammers to generate massive volumes of spam e-mail utilizing those responders’ user names and passwords, which would result in blockage from aol.com, yahoo.com and numerous other e-mail accounts. If you are a victim of this scam, immediately change your password and notify your school.

This type of “phishing” scam takes advantage of young college students not familiar with these types of fraudulent types of scams that may be easily manipulated; therefore all colleges, students and faculty in the South Carolina and surrounding areas should be alert to this type of e-mail during the school year.

David A. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Columbia office of the FBI is requesting that individuals that have complaints similar to this to file an internet crime complaint on www.ic3.gov with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to ensure the extent of this scheme can be accurately evaluated.