Spam, scams, malware, and phishing tips

At the district, we run various systems to help filter out spam and other malicious email messages, but some still get through. Sophisticated malicious telephone calls that target specific groups of people are also on the rise in our area, according to local law enforcement.

Here are some tips and guidelines:

Basic types of malicious messages/calls:

• • Spam: unwanted messages that sell you a service or product, but are otherwise harmless.

  • Phish: Messages attempting to trick you into giving out sensitive details like account passwords, social security numbers, bank/credit/debit/check account numbers, and so on.

  • Vishing: Similar to phishing, but over the telephone or via text.

  • Malware: Messages that contain malicious software that do bad things, ranging from destroying data, to stealing sensitive information or spying on your computer.

Signs that a message may be malicious:

• • Asks for sensitive information, or provides a link to a web page that asks for sensitive information, such as your password, social security number, payment account details, and so on. 

  • Threatening grave consequences if you do not comply with their request.

  • The message uses broken English or contains a lot of typos.

How to stay safe:

• • Practice common sense with a healthy dose of skepticism.

  • Do not open attachments from senders you do not know.

  • Do not use your district email account for personal business (including personal purchases, taxes, memberships, etc). If you are not doing personal business on your work accounts, then businesses have no business emailing you at your work account.

• Never give your passwords to anyone! Tech Services personnel should never ask you for, or have a need for, your password.

Common Scams:

• • Requests for gift card purchases. For district policies around the purchase of gift cards are here: https://sites.google.com/a/springfield.k12.or.us/it/home/tech-tips/online-safety/gift-cards

When in doubt, ask!:

• • If you've followed the above steps and you are still unsure, you can forward the message to spam@springfield.k12.or.us and someone will get back to you with an answer.