Important Notice: Phishing Alert!  Email Scam Targeting VCCS Students

Oct 09 2024

This is an archived article!

This article was published on Oct 09 2024 and was archived on Oct 01 2025. The information below may be outdated or inaccurate.

Fraud Alert: A phishing email scam impersonating the Virginia Community College System is circulating, targeting students and attempting to steal personal information. Please note that a college-sanctioned email will not use a Gmail address. Second, screenshots of personal information will never be requested through email. 

Important Notice: Phishing Alert!  Email Scam Targeting VCCS Students

 A phishing email scam impersonating the Virginia Community College System is circulating, targeting students and attempting to steal personal information. Please note that a college-sanctioned email will not use a Gmail address. Second, screenshots of personal information will never be requested through email. 

Helpful Tips to Protect Yourself from an Email Scam:

If you received one of these emails, follow these steps immediately:

1. Do not respond or engage with the sender.
2. Do not provide any personal information (such as your name, address, Social Security number, or banking/credit card details).
3. Stop all further contact if you've already initiated a conversation with the scammer.
4. Inform others if you forwarded the email to anyone, by sharing this warning with them.
5. If you’ve responded to the scam and provided personal details, contact your college's helpdesk immediately for assistance in protecting your identity.

 Scam and phishing emails can be tricky to spot, but here are some key tips to help you make safer decisions when interacting with your inbox:

1. Verify the sender: Check if the sender’s email address is legitimate. Look for small inconsistencies like misspellings or unfamiliar domains. College personnel will only officially communicate through the official college email systems.
2. Look out for urgent language: Scammers often try to rush you into making quick decisions by using phrases like "act immediately" or "urgent job opportunity."
3. Be cautious of unexpected job offers: If you did not apply for a position or internship, it’s highly likely the offer is fake.
4. Do not click on links or download attachments from suspicious or unsolicited emails. These can contain malware or lead you to phishing sites.
5. When in doubt, ask: If you’re uncertain about an email's legitimacy, contact the NRCC HelpDesk at (540 )674-3600, ext. 4400 or helpdesk@nr.edu. Never reply to the email with personal details.

 Reminder: Protect Your Information No one at NRCC will ever ask for your personal information, such as passwords, Social Security numbers, or financial details, through email or text.