To all students, faculty, and staff:
It has been confirmed that fraudulent activities targeting students, faculty members, and staff of Nagoya University are occuring. Of particular concern is the increasing number of reports of fraud through emails impersonating professors and phone calls from individuals posing as police officers. To prevent becoming a victim, please review the following information carefully.
Please note that fraudsters may be using email addresses and phone number posted on the university's website for these scams. Excercise caution when sharing personal information.
* If you become a victim of fraud, please report it to the police immediately.
1. "Digital gift card" fraudulent emails impersonating professors
Method
Scammers send emails to students and staff using the names of actual profressors, with messages such as "I have an urgent request" or "I want you to purchase a digital gift card and send me the code."
Warning Signs
- While the sender's name may appear to be an actual professor, the email address typically differs from the official one.
- These emails are typically sent in English instead of Japanese, and often contain unatural or awkward phrasing.
- Some emails contain no text in the body, and fraud occurs after replying to the email.
Countermeasures
- If you feel at all suspicious, do not reply and delete the email.
- If you receive a suspicious email, verify it with the faculty member via official means of communication (university email, telephone, etc.).
- Never open attachments or click on link URLs.
2. Fraudulent phone calls from individuals posing as police officers
Methods
Someone posing as a police officer calls and creates anxiety by claiming "your account is being used for a crime" or "personal information is being leaked," then requests personal information or asks you to transfer cash.
Countermeasures
- The police will never ask you for money or personal information by phone.
- If you receive such a call, please hang up immediately and report it to the police.
Thank you for your cooperation,
Nagoya University