Don’t Take the Bait! How to Spot Phishing Emails

Never click suspicious links in emails or texts

Cyber threats are real, and phishing attacks sent via emails and text messages are a major risk. These scams may appear legit but they are fraudulent. Attackers often impersonate trusted sources to trick you into giving away sensitive information like passwords or financial details. Don’t take the bait! Cyber attackers try to steal your personal data or money, compromise your accounts, or spread malware.

Bad Clicks Sink Ships

If an email seems suspicious – unexpected sender, strange links, or urgent demands – don’t click. ECU will never ask for personal or financial details through email or text.

Don’t Get Hooked by a Phisher

Never click a link that goes to an unknown website and avoid downloading attachments from emails that seem suspicious.

Mismatched Sender Addresses

To verify a sender, mouse over (DON’T CLICK) addresses to check the URL. Phishers often use similar looking (spoofed) addresses to deceive recipients into thinking the email comes from a trusted source. Ensure the displayed address matches the true address. For example, official emails from the Cashier’s Office come from “cashier@ecu.edu.” If the email is NOT from “cashier@ecu.edu,” it is not from the Cashier’s Office. Be especially cautious when opening attachments or clicking links if you receive an email containing a warning banner indicating that it originated from an external source. If it does not end in “.edu” it is NOT from ECU.

Watch for Urgency

Scammers create panic to trick you into acting fast. If an email demands immediate action, stop, be skeptical, and verify first.

Requests for Personal Information

Legitimate businesses never ask for sensitive data (passwords, Social
Security numbers, account numbers, etc.) via email or text.

If you receive a suspicious email, report it to ITCS at phish@ecu.edu. If you mistakenly provide account information to a malicious site, change your password immediately and call the IT service desk at 252-328-9866.