Office of Information Technology
November 22, 2020
Tags Phishing Email (on campus)

Temporary Research Job Open.

Phish Bowl Alerts

This job solicitation email includes three tell-tale signs of being a scam: it claims to be from a Brown professor but uses a random Gmail address; asks for personal details (why is a cell phone # needed?); and includes an offer a bit too good to be true ($250/wk for a simple task, no experience needed). Can you spot any other reasons to be suspicious?

For more about job scams, see this article from the Federal Trade Commission.

From: Prof. Kali S. Thomas <ma2682691@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, Nov 21, 2020 at 6:13 AM
Subject: Temporary Research Job Open.
To: <josiah_carberry@brown.edu>

Hello

I need an Assistant to work remotely from the comfort of your home as a temporary research aide. Your job is simple data collection and earn $250 weekly, indicate interest by providing the required information below and I will send you a follow up email detailing work schedule. This is an adaptable job that requires little or no prior experience irrespective of your major discipline.

Full Name:
Cell #:
Alternate email:

Regards
--
Kali S Thomas 
Assistant Professor
Public Health Services Policy & Practice
Covid - 19 Research Team Member.