Phone and Email Scams on the Rise

Image of fishing hook with noteScams targeting students are being reported from local universities.  Phishers and imposters, disguised as employers and government officials, are tricking students into handing over money. Some of the scams may offer a job opportunity or threaten the recipient with prosecution from a foreign government.

Beware of messages that:

  • Do not clearly identify themselves or their company
  • Come from an email address that does not match the company’s domain
  • Do not give full contact information such as the title of sender, the company’s physical address, or phone number.
  • Make too good to be true offers with no strings attached
  • Ask to pay an upfront fee or asks you to transfer money for them
  • Ask to give your credit card or bank account numbers
  • Ask to send copies of personal documents

Remember: DO NOT provide any personal information, especially Social Security numbers or financial information. Legitimate companies would not ask for this information over the phone or email.

If you have any questions or concerns about keeping safe from phishing attacks and scammers, contact Technology’s Information Security Analyst, [email protected].

Phishing Icon made by Smashicons from www.flaticon.com

Simmons Connection Retiring

Simmons Connection LogoWith final grading for some classes finishing up in AARC and all future student information activity having moved to Workday, Simmons Connection will be retiring at the end of October. Quick links to frequently used services are now available on internal.simmons.edu.  Select either “Current Students” or “Faculty & Staff” and scroll down to view various resources that are available to you.

Looking for events?  Navigate to events.simmons.edu in your browser and you will find what’s happening on campus.  You can also reserve a room for meeting or study. 

If you have questions regarding the retirement of Simmons Connection, please contact the Service Desk.

Required Zoom Software Updates

Zoom logoBeginning November 1st, Zoom will require updates to their software to ensure it is no more than nine months behind the current version, at any given time. From that point on, users will be prompted to update their software when using the platform should their version fall behind this nine-month window.

To prepare for the new schedule and avoid service disruption, we recommend you update to the latest release prior to November 1st.  Please see our How-To article on updating Zoom or reach out to the Service Desk for assistance.