“Final Notice” Student Account Verification Scam

Known Subject Lines:

• Immediate Action Needed: Account Verification Required
• [Action Required] School Email & Financial Aid Access at Risk

We’re seeing phishing emails sent to students that claim your account is at risk if you don’t complete a verification process. These messages are designed to create panic and trick you into clicking a malicious link.

Why This Looks Real

Cybercriminals are getting more convincing. This email uses:

• Urgency and pressure
  Phrases like “final notice” and a 24-hour deadline push you to act fast.
• Important account threats
  Mentions of losing access to email and financial aid make it feel serious.
• Official-sounding language
  Terms like “in accordance with university policy” make it seem legitimate.
• Familiar departments
  References to offices like Student Financial Services add credibility.

Why This Is Fake

Look closer and you’ll spot the red flags:

• Generic greeting
  “Dear Student” instead of your name.
• Suspicious link
  The “Student Account Verification Form” is not a trusted university link.
• Threatening consequences
  Immediate restrictions or deactivation within 24 hours is a common scare tactic.
• Unusual request
  Legitimate university offices will not ask you to verify sensitive information through unsolicited email links.
• Discourages follow-up
  Claims the account is “send-only” and not monitored.

What You Should Do

If you receive this email:

• Do NOT click the link
• Do NOT enter your login information
• Report it immediately using the Phish Alert Button (PAB)

If you already interacted with it:

• Change your password immediately
• Report it via the PAB

Additional Notes:

• Remember: Information Technology will never text you. We will also never request your password or Duo codes, ever.
• Information Technology will not ask you to verify accounts or submit passwords through unofficial forms or unexpected email links.
• Do you think you’ve fallen for a scam? Did you share personal information? Downloaded malicious content? Please contact the IT Service Desk at 973-655-7971 option 1 or email itservicedesk@montclair.edu.
• Use the Knowbe4 Phish Alert Button (PAB) to report malicious emails directly to the Information Security team for review. If you are not using the Gmail client please forward the email to phishfiles@montclair.edu.
• Always use the “hover over” technique to check web links before clicking! For more security tips please visit our Security Tips page.