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Warning: Fake emails in circulation

Several fake e-mails have currently been sent in the name of for example José Sanders. Criminals are misusing her name and have created fake accounts in, for example, Gmail (see the example below). This form of cybercrime is known as CEO fraud.

The emails initially ask for a response. If you respond, you will be asked to buy something or share data. Do not respond!

How to report Phishing

How to act if you receive such an e-mail? 

In Outlook, you can report a "strange e-mail" with the click of a button. You will find the 'Report message' button on the right-hand side in your navigation bar. Then choose the 'phishing' option. By reporting the message, the e-mail is automatically assessed and, if necessary, blocked. This way, you prevent the e-mail from spreading further.

In doubt? Contact the person who approached you in another way. To do this, call the phone number that is known to you and not a phone number from the e-mail you received.

Example

Below is an example of one of the fake e-mails. Several points show that the e-mail is false.

Zo zag de phishing mail eruit
  1. The sender does not use an @ru.nl email address.
  2. The subject line is missing.
  3. You get a warning through Microsoft Defender that you don't often get an email from this address. This is always a sign that you should be extra alert.
  4. A question that comes across as urgent and the text is not correct. 'Je' and 'uw' are used interchangeably etc. 
  5. The phone number is incorrect.

Contact information

Need help? Please contact: icthelpdesk [at] ru.nl (icthelpdesk[at]ru[dot]nl) or via +31 24 36 22222

Organizational unit
Information & Library Services