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Phish Files Articles
March 2, 2026

🚨New Week Staff & Faculty School Notice !!!🚨

Posted in: Phishing

The image is a phishing alert for a fake email giveaway targeting faculty and staff at Montclair State University.

Why This Email May Look Legitimate

Cybercriminals design phishing emails to appear trustworthy. This message uses several tactics to lower suspicion:

  • Familiar Name in the Signature
    The email includes the name and title of a real member of our campus community, making it appear officially endorsed.

  • Professional Tone and Formatting
    The message is written in formal language and references “faculty and staff appreciation,” which aligns with legitimate Montclair communications.

  • High-Value, Recognizable Brands
    The giveaway items reference well-known products, including:

    • Airstream travel trailer

    • Stealth Bomber E-Bike

    Referencing recognizable brands makes the offer feel more credible.

  • Old University Logo
    The message uses an outdated Montclair logo to appear official.

Signs This Email Is Phishing

Despite its professional appearance, several red flags indicate this is not legitimate:

  • External Sender Address
    The email originates from an external email address, not an official Montclair account.

  • Mismatched Contact Information
    Recipients are instructed to email a different external address that is not affiliated with the university.

  • Request to Use a Personal Email Address
    The message specifically asks you to use a personal (non-university) email account to respond.

    • This is a major red flag. Scammers attempt to move conversations off official systems to avoid security monitoring.

  • Too Good to Be True Giveaway
    Extremely high-value items are being offered with no official webpage, registration form, or verification process.

  • Non-Existent Sponsor
    The email references a “retired community member” who does not exist.

  • Urgency & Limited-Time Framing
    Phrases like “limited-time opportunity” are designed to pressure quick action.

  • Unusual Subject Line & Excessive Punctuation
    Multiple exclamation points and emoji-heavy formatting are common in phishing campaigns.

What Are the Risks?

If you respond to this email, you could:

  • Expose your full name and personal email address

  • Open the door to follow-up phishing attempts

  • Be targeted for financial scams

  • Become a victim of identity theft

  • Be added to scammer distribution lists for future attacks

Even a simple reply confirms your email is active, making you a higher-value target.

What Should You Do?

If you receive this message:

  1. Do not reply.

  2. Do not use your personal email address to respond.

  3. Do not share any personal information.

  4. Report the email using the Knowbe4 Phish Alert Button (PAB).

  5. Delete the message after reporting it.

If you already responded, contact the IT Service Desk immediately.