The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is aware of multiple scams targeting universities, university employees, and students across the nation. The scams range from Internet fraud to intrusions. The following are common scenarios: 

• Spear phishing e-mails are being sent to university employees that appear to be from their employer. The e-mail contains a link and claims some type of issue has risen requiring them to enter their log-in credentials. Once employees provide their user name and password, the perpetrator accesses the university’s computer system to redirect the employees’ payroll allocation to another bank account. The university employees’ payroll allocations are being deposited into students’ accounts. These students were hired through online advertisements for work-at-home jobs, and provided their bank account information to the perpetrators to receive payment for the work they performed.
• Scammers are posting online advertisements soliciting college students for administrative positions in which they would receive checks via the mail or e-mail. Students are directed to deposit the checks into their accounts, and then print checks and/or wire money to an individual. Students are never asked to provide their bank account information to the perpetrators.
• Perpetrators are compromising students’ credential resulting in the rerouting of their reimbursement money to other bank accounts. The reimbursement money is from student loans and used to pay tuition, books, and living expenses.
• Perpetrators are obtaining professors’ Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and using it to file fraudulent income tax returns.
• Some universities have been victims of intrusions, resulting in the perpetrators being able to access university databases containing information on their employees and students.

If you have been a victim of one of these scams or any other Internet related scam, we encourage you to file a complaint with the IC3 at www.ic3.gov and notify your university police.

Personal Safety

• Use common sense. Try not to walk alone or appear distracted by wearing headphones or talking on your cell phone.
• At night, always walk with a friend and use lighted pathways to navigate throughout the University.
• Use the campus transportation services and security escorts.
• If you see something, say something. Contact police by using a Blue Phone or EmergenSeeU.
• Report any questionable activity or crime right away.
• Do not carry or display large amounts of money or jewelry.
• If approached by someone demanding money, do not resist.  Turn over the money then call the Police immediately.
• Obey the law: Avoid illegal drugs and alcohol.
• Identify visitors through a window or peephole before opening the door.
• Request service people to show proper credentials before you let them into your apartment.
• Never hesitate to contact the Police if you have been a victim of a crime.

Please use the campus transportation services and security escorts at night by calling 203-932-7014.

Property Safety

• Get a good U-lock for your bike.
• Get a cable lock for your laptop.
• No lock works UNLESS you lock it.
• Lock public doors or gates to your apartment building, residence hall, or office.
• Never leave a public door propped open. Always lock your door whenever you leave your room.
• Always lock windows that are accessible from the outside.
• Avoid leaving valuables in common rooms or coat rooms.
• When leaving your room for vacation or recess, store valuables in a security storage area or take them with you.
• Don’t leave items within view in your car. Always lock car doors and purchase an anti-theft device.
• Record serial #s, model, & brand of valuables. Stolen property can’t be lawfully reclaimed unless it can be identified.
• Keep house and car keys on separate key chains. When leaving your car for service or at a lot, leave only the car keys.
• Never attach your address to your keychain. Yale urges you never to attach your ID tag to your keychain.
• Do not lend your keys or ID tag to service people.
• If a stranger asks to use your telephone, do not let them. Offer to call for assistance for them.

 Consider your proposed apartment in relation to University Services that are available in the area. (i.e. Does the shuttle travel there?)

• Notice location of blue phones going toward building.
• Know which streets are well-lit on the route to your apartment.
• Notice adjacent properties and whether they are maintained.
• Does the outside door to the building close and lock behind you?
• Examine the perimeter lighting of the building at night.
• Is there an entrance in back (i.e. where you park your car) and is the way to the building door lit well?
• Is there an intercom entry system? If not, is there a viewer on the door?
• Are there bug screens on the windows?
• Check the locking hardware on the main door, any hallway doors and the front door to the building. Are they all in working order and do they close behind you?
• Talk to tenants in the building. Does the landlord promptly fix things that break?
• Look at the overall maintenance of the building. If upkeep is poor, this may be a clue that security is lax.
• Are the first floor hallway and apartment windows protected?
•  Is there a gap in the door latch that could compromise its effectiveness?
•  Is there a dead bolt for the door to your apartment and for any other perimeter doors?
• Is there a viewer on your front door to determine who is knocking?
•  If there is a fire escape near your window, is the window protected?