Information about spam emails with the content: "Can you do me a favor?"  [22.06.20]

Occasionally emails are delivered that have a criminal background. These emails ask if you can do a person a favor. It is usually pointed out that you are in a predicament and cannot act yourself. The urgency is also underlined. In addition, the email seems to come from a colleague whose name is at the end of the email and also in the From field in front of the email address.

Caution is advised here! Such a true case cannot be ruled out 100%, but in most cases it is about - after a few emails back and forth - arranging for a money transfer. You should also be taken aback because the email address with which you correspond is not a Hohenheim email address. It can contain uni-hohenheim.de, but the part that follows after the @ sign is decisive:

Example for a Hohenheim email address: max.mustermann@uni-hohenheim.de
or for a subordinate email area: max.mustermann@text.uni-hohenheim.de

No Hohenheim email address: max.mustermann.uni-hohenheim.de@free-e-mailer123.de

What is easy for the trained eye to recognize as spam is a major challenge for the spam filter at the central inbox. Since the email is quite short and contains no attachment, there are not enough criteria that lead to it could have these email rejected at the central inbox. If you are unsure, the only thing that helps is to ask the person who is supposed to be seeking help, e.g. by telephone using a known telephone number or by e-mail using a known e-mail address.

If you have any questions, please contact kim-it@uni-hohenheim.de

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