Important Safety Reminders: Protecting Yourself from Scammers
A Message from Thomas Iliceto, Senior Director for Campus Safety and Emergency Management
As we begin the new semester, I am writing to share information about several recent scams that have targeted members of our community. Scammers are becoming increasingly creative in their tactics, and I encourage you to read the information below carefully to ensure you’re aware and prepared.
Recent Scams
Recently, we have learned of a disturbing scam involving individuals who approach unsuspecting victims under the guise of fundraising for school sports teams or while selling candy. The scammers request donations through popular mobile payment platforms like Venmo or Zelle and have managed to trick people into handing over their smartphones, which has led to significant financial loss for the victims.
In one particular incident that occurred off campus, scammers convinced a New School student to hand over their cell phone so the scammers could enter their contact details for payment processing. In a matter of minutes, they managed to transfer a substantial amount of money from the victim’s bank account using a mobile payment app.
In another incident, New School students received an email from an individual impersonating a New School professor offering a research assistant position. The individual sent students a fake check and instructed them to purchase office supplies and return the excess funds. Fortunately, none of our students were fooled by this scam.
Safety Tips and Best Practices
It is crucial that everyone remains vigilant and verifies any unexpected or suspicious emails, especially those involving financial transactions. Please do not engage with the sender and report it to Campus Safety immediately.
To help prevent community members from falling victim to scams, we encourage everyone to keep these key points in mind:
- Protect Your Phone: Your smartphone contains sensitive personal information, including access to your financial accounts. Never hand over your phone to strangers, no matter how innocent the request may seem.
- Be Cautious of Donations: While it’s admirable to support charitable causes, exercise caution when making donations, especially to unfamiliar individuals. Stick to reputable donation channels and official websites.
- Verify Before Sharing Information: Never share personal or financial information via text, email, or phone call unless you are absolutely sure of the recipient’s authenticity.
- Avoid Sharing Payment Codes: Do not share any payment codes or passwords with anyone, as scammers often use these details to gain unauthorized access to your accounts.
- Directly Contact Your Bank: If you suspect fraudulent activity or unauthorized transactions, contact your bank immediately to report the issue and seek assistance.
Remember, your safety is our top priority. If you encounter any suspicious activity or believe you’ve been targeted by a scam, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Campus Safety at campussafety@newschool.edu or the New York Police Department (NYPD).
Stay informed, remain aware—together we can create a safer environment for everyone.