"Job Opening" Email Scam Targeting Students

A recent phishing scam to hit campus is falsely advertising the need for a "Personal Assistant." The scammer contacts students asking if they want a job as a Personal Assistant for a reasonable amount of money.  They often have the student run one or two innocuous errands and then let the student know that they have had to leave the country on business. Then they send the student a large check by Federal Express, UPS or Priority Mail—several thousand dollars and tell them to cash it, keep a portion for their pay (like $400-500) and send money orders to the “employer” as he/she can’t access their bank account overseas.  Of course, the initial check is bad and the student could end up being out up to several thousands of dollars.
Visit Western's Student Employment website for information on recognizing and reporting scams.