COVID-19 Job Scam in Email

The UMBC Division of Information Technology received notification of a new job scam variant on 08may2020.  The subject is: UMBC COVID-19 INFORMATION

From: Koyepes Michael <michaelkoyepes199@gmail.com>

Date: Fri, May 8, 2020 at 9:54 AM

Subject: UMBC COVID-19 INFORMATION

Dear students,

University of Maryland, Baltimore County health professionals have been closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 over the past two months.Therefore the university is organizing an online part time job to sustain the students living.I'm happy to inform you that our reputable company CORESTAFF SERVICES Inc®,is currently running a student empowerment program.

    KINDLY EMAIL BACK WITH YOUR  PERSONAL EMAIL ADDRESS IF INTERESTED IN THIS JOB POSITION.

Kind Regards

Koyepes Michael

HR Manager/Consultant

CORESTAFF SERVICES Inc®

This is a scam!  DO NOT REPLY TO IT!

A reply confirms that your UMBC email address is active.  That is an invitation to get more spam.  You are also asked to provide your personal address.  That’s two addresses for spamming.   You may then be asked to fill out a form with personal information which can then be added to your email address.  That means, at least, that the spam can be targeted to you.  If you provide information such as your birthdate, address, or social security number, the information can also be used for identity theft.  

Even if you are tempted to send the scammer a hostile, insulting message,

DO NOT REPLY!

You will not hurt the scammer’s feelings.  You will simply provide information about yourself directly or indirectly.

E-mail fraud is in the rise. The Division of Information Technology is tracking it. If you get suspicious email, please forward it to security@umbc.edu. If you are not sure whether it is suspicious, forward it anyway. We will investigate it and get back to you.