August Security Hero: Mary Caton Lingold
Mary Caton Lingold is the Director of the PhD Program in Media, Art, and Text at VCU. They are also an Associate Professor of English. Their research and teaching involve the study of literature, music, sound, digital media, and the cultural history of slavery. The Email This type of scam tricks the user into providing […]
Phishing Alert: Fake “Google Account Verification” Emails Targeting VCU Accounts with Malicious Google Form Link (8/3/2026)
We are currently seeing a wave of phishing emails sent from compromised VCU accounts. These messages claim your account will be suspended or deleted unless you “verify” it through a Google Form link. This is a scam — do not click the link or enter any information. What the email looks like: Dear User, We […]
More Fake IT Text Messages Targeting VCU Users (7/28/2026)
There is a another phisher with the phone number (1-202-300-0772) that is texting users and threatening to shut down user’s email accounts. We’ve seen this attack previously (https://blogs.vcu.edu/phishing/2026/06/25/fake-it-text-messages-targeting-vcu-users-6-25-2026/) Please be aware this is a scam. If you responded to the text message and provided your user/password, please contact us at [email protected] and following these instructions […]
Fake IT Text Messages Targeting VCU Users 6/25/2026
There is a phisher with the phone number (1-680-223-5968) that is texting users and threatening to shut down user’s email accounts. Please be aware this is a scam. If you responded to the text message and provided your user/password, please contact us at [email protected] and following these instructions to reset your password: https://knowledgebase.vcu.edu/portal/app/portlets/results/viewsolution.jsp?solutionid=240503162018383
Fake Invitation MALWARE! 4/6/26
The “Dinner Party” Phishing Scam: Don’t RSVP to Danger The latest phishing attempt hitting VCU inboxes is a masterclass in subtlety. Instead of scary threats about account deactivation, this one uses social engineering to pique your curiosity with a sophisticated-looking “Dinner Party” invitation. We have seen repeated use of this Greenvelope tool being used to […]
URGENT: [Job Scam Alert] Vacancy Announcement: Administrative Assistant (Part-Time)
Other Subject Lines: WORK AND STUDY PART-TIME & Virginia Commonwealth University Act Now The Information Security office is aware of a job scam which originated from the email ‘gabrielsanchez712396@gmail[.]com’ The scammer compromised a number of VCU email accounts and used them to further the scam. This was done so that it appeared legitimate, as the scam was now […]
Fake Text From IT…VCU IT Will Never Text You!
We are issuing a formal warning regarding a fraudulent messaging campaign currently targeting Virginia Commonwealth University students and faculty. The scam involves a text message or email claiming to be from the “Microsoft IT Help Department.” The message falsely alleges that a request has been initiated to deactivate your official VCU email account and prompts […]
New Phishing Alert: Fake VCU Two‑Factor Enrollment Email
A new phishing email is circulating through our community, and this one is crafted to look highly official. Attackers are attempting to steal user credentials by imitating a “VCU Two‑Factor enrollment update,” complete with university branding and a QR code that leads to a malicious website. VCU will NEVER ask for your personal data with […]
Invitation to party? SCAM
A new phishing campaign is making the rounds on campus, and it’s disguised as something friendly and harmless: a party invitation. Recently, members of our community received an email claiming “You’re invited to my private party,” complete with what looks like an e‑card and a link to “download the card.” While it may appear like […]
Text from Dr. Rao 12/11/25
Please beware of a text scam impersonating Dr. Rao asking for help with a quick task. If you received this it is a scam please do not respond to the scammer. See example of the scam below. Please report to [email protected], if you have further questions or comments.