---
title: "Watch out for the fake email job application scam"
type: "article"
space: "MyNews"
author: "Anna Dorbyk"
created: 2024-03-28T20:44:14Z
updated: 2024-03-28T20:44:14Z
tags: ["student-news"]
url: "https://students.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/112/mynews/articles/student-news/13790/watch-out-for-the-fake-email-job-application-scam"
---

# Watch out for the fake email job application scam

| **** **The situation**The ITS team has seen an increase in phishing campaigns focused on job applications and recruitment. You may have received one of these scam emails.<br><br>Each of them is worded slightly different but generally say something to the effect of “Hiring NOW!!!” or “Home/On-Campus Job” with a PDF attached.<br><br>Here’s what you have to know: Clicking on that attachment will generate a link, further prompting you to fill out a form with your personal information. It might all sound legit – it makes sense to fill out a form when applying for a job – but in this case you are sharing your personal information with scammers.<br><br>**What is being done to protect your safety**ITS has implemented additional filters and security measures to detect and block these phishing emails and is closely monitoring the situation and responding quickly to any new threats.<br><br>**What you need to do**Report any suspicious emails using the red ‘[Report Phish](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/62/it-security/blogs/general/17351/report-phishing-emails)’ button in Outlook. If anything looks off – report it – the ITS team would rather investigate a false alarm than miss a legitimate threat.<br><br>We also ask that you familiarize yourself with [phishing email](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/62/it-security/wiki/view/18205/phishing) safety. Here are some of the basics:<br><br><ul><br><li><strong>Stay Alert</strong>: Be cautious when receiving unsolicited emails related to job opportunities. Even if they seem genuine, exercise caution.</li><br><li><strong>Verify Sender</strong>: Always check the sender’s email address. Be wary of external emails from free accounts (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo) that claim to be from a company.</li><br><li><strong>Avoid Clicking Links</strong>: Refrain from clicking on any links or attachments in emails unless you are certain of their legitimacy.</li><br><li><strong>Beware of Attachments</strong>: Be cautious when opening attachments, especially if they prompt you to enable macros or execute files.</li><br><li><strong>QR Codes</strong>: Avoid scanning <a href="https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/62/it-security/wiki/view/18362/anatomy-of-a-sample-qr-code-phishing-email">QR codes</a> from unknown sources, as they can lead to malicious websites.</li><br><li><strong>Protect Personal Information</strong>: Never share sensitive information (such as passwords, Social Security numbers, or financial details) via email.</li><br><li><strong>Report Suspicious Emails</strong>: If you receive an email that seems suspicious, report it immediately by using the <a href="https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/62/it-security/blogs/general/17351/report-phishing-emails">'Report Phish'</a> button.</li><br></ul><br><br>If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact [ITS Service Desk](mailto:servicedesk@senecapolytechnic.ca), available 24-7. |
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