Security Alert: Job scam emails targeting UC Santa Cruz

A job phishing scam is currently targeting UCSC students. Attackers are sending fake job offer emails that appear to come from the university’s job placement office, student services, or even a professor. These messages are designed to trick you into sending money or personal information. Please do not click on any of the links or reply to the message. 

This security alert includes:

• How the scam works
• How to protect yourself
• What to do if you get a suspicious email

How the scam works

• You receive an email encouraging you to apply for a job.
• After replying, the “employer” might hire you immediately without an interview or conduct a fake interview. 
• They send you a check and ask you to deposit it, then use the money to buy gift cards, money orders, or prepaid debit cards. Some of what you buy must be sent back to them, and the rest is called your “payment.”
• The check later bounces, leaving you responsible for the funds you sent.

How to protect yourself

• Be cautious with emails from outside the @ucsc.edu domain. If it does come from an @ucsc.edu address and seems suspicious, directly contact the sender by phone or forward the email to the address you find in the campus directory to confirm its legitimacy.
• No legitimate employer will offer you a job without proper process or ask you to send money, and you should never pay anyone to get a job.
• Watch for red flags. Typos, no interview process, or payment before work are all warning signs.

UC Santa Cruz Career Center for students

• If you’re looking for jobs or internships, always use UC Santa Cruz Career Center’s Handshake tool: Handshake Student Resources
• Check out the Career Center’s Online Safety Tips: Online Safety Guide

What to do if you get a suspicious email

• Forward suspicious emails to phishing@ucsc.edu, which alerts both the Information Security team and the ITS Service Desk, ensuring coordinated and timely response.
• If you believe you are a victim of a phishing attempt, contact the ITS Service Desk  
• Refresh your cybersecurity knowledge: Cybersecurity for Students