University Of Alaska Anchorage: UAA IT Services Notification Regarding Phone Scams

Press release from the University of Alaska Anchorage:

June 25, 2021

The University of Alaska Anchorage is experiencing an increase in vishing, which is
the phone equivalent to email phishing. In this type of attack, bad actors use a recorded
message, typically from frequently used services such as Amazon or Apple, to con you
into giving out personal information. For an example of this kind of vishing see Fake calls from Apple and Amazon support: What you need to know. Another tactic bad actors use creates a spoofed, or fake caller ID that can look
like it is coming from a known number, such as a UAA number beginning with a 786 prefix.
These calls may disconnect after several seconds, connect to a person imitating a
company representative, or play a recorded message like those referenced previously.

If you get an unexpected call or message about a problem with any of your accounts,
hang up.

If you think there may be a problem with an account, contact the company directly
using contact information from a source that is reputable.

These types of calls are attempts to gain access to your personal information. Stay
informed about recent UA phishing attempts by visiting the Phish Bowl. Other helpful information is available at UA Security Matters. If you have questions or concerns, please contact IT Services Technical Support
Center at 907-786-4646 or uaa.techsupport@alaska.edu.

This press release was produced by the University of Alaska Anchorage. The views expressed here are the author’s own.