Yale phishing attacks continue - review important tips

    May 1, 2024

    We continue to see an increase in phishing attacks targeting Yale email accounts that appear to be from a yale.edu email address. We are writing to share a recent example and provide you with tips on how to recognize and report these phishing attacks.

    A current example is American Express services. At first glance, these emails can be convincing. They use urgent or threatening language to pressure you to provide personal information, including Social Security numbers, account passwords, and other financial data.

    Please stay vigilant. Exercise caution when interacting with any communications purportedly from American Express or any other unsolicited message.

    Here are a few helpful reminders about phishing messages:

    • Be Cautious. Do not click on unexpected or unfamiliar links. This tip applies to emails and text messages, even if they appear to come from someone you know or address you directly.
    • Go straight to the source. When you receive an unexpected email, don’t take action right away. Instead, find ways to contact that person, office, or service directly. This could include visiting the online site the way you normally would or initiating a phone call to the person or office directly. Do not follow links or phone numbers included in the message itself.
    • Be safe, not sorry. Report suspicious messages using one of our options.
      • For individuals using Office 365: Navigate to and select the Report Message option on the Outlook email banner and choose phishing.
      • For those using Gmail (EliApps), navigate to and select the menu button (the icon appears as three verticle dots located to the right of the email date) and select Report phishing.
      • Alternatively, if you do not have the report message option in your email application, you may forward emails to phishing@yale.edu.

    For more information on recognizing and reporting phishing, visit our Click with Caution web page.

    If you believe you have been a victim of a crime, you should contact the Yale Police Department (YPD). The YPD provides services and information for crime victims; to access these resources, call 203-432-4400.

    Thank you for taking proactive steps to safeguard Yale’s data and your personal information.