Sept. 4, 2024

Recently, members of the URI community have received phishing emails urging recipients to complete fake forms related to financial aid and asking them to submit credentials. These emails may ask for sensitive information like your login credentials, e-Campus password, birthdate, or bank mobile login details, often using urgent subject lines such as “Urgent: Immediate Action Required – Complete Your Financial Aid Validation Form!”

These emails are phishing attempts designed to steal your personal information for fraudulent use. Please be aware that URI Information Technology Services and other URI units will never ask for sensitive information through Google Forms or other unofficial channels.

If you encounter a form asking for login details or other sensitive information, stop and report the email (see below) and contact the IT Service Desk.

How to Report Phishing Emails

If you receive a phishing email: 

• Do not respond or provide any information. 
• Click the PhishAlarm button in your Gmail toolbar to report the email directly to IT Security Services.
• Learn more about PhishAlarm.

If you clicked on the link and entered personal information:

• Reset Your Password: Visit the ITS website and join the Service Desk Zoom session.
• Reject Unrecognized DUO Requests: Do not approve any unexpected DUO authentication prompts.

Additional Security Measures:

• For all password resets and sensitive requests, URI requires identity verification using a photo ID in person or via video. Password changes cannot be completed via email for security reasons.
• The IT Service Desk is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. 

Stay vigilant, and if you have any questions, please get in touch with the IT Service Desk. Thank you for helping keep our community secure.