College students face increased phishing attempts as scammers target university accounts and financial aid funds, according to RochesterFirst.
Rochester Institute of Technology officials said the attacks often arrive through email, text messages or social media and seek students’ login credentials.
Scammers may use stolen accounts to redirect financial aid refunds into bank accounts they control, potentially costing students tens of thousands of dollars.
RIT Chief Information Security Officer Aldwin Maloto said the university has seen a sharp increase in attacks but no significant financial losses or disruptions.
Students and families should avoid suspicious links, verify senders’ addresses and report questionable messages to their university’s information technology department.
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