Scam - Dog Sitting

Please be on the lookout for job offers that appear too good to be true, as one currently circulating at University of Alaska:

 

This scam is supposedly seeking a dog sitter close to campus.  Note the absence of any verifiable information, such as the identity of the mysterious Dean or the affiliation of "Philip Anderson" with the university, nor what "campus" the attacker is targeting.

Reports from other universities and the Better Business Bureau indicate that victims are sent checks which they are asked to deposit as "payment" and are then asked to purchase gift cards with part of the money. By the time the victim has complied, the gift card codes have been sent to the attacker and the checks have been returned as fraudulent. 

Remember - if something appears too good to be true, it usually is. According to the Federal Trade Commission, "Anyone who demands payment by gift card is always, always, always a scammer." 

If you surrendered goods or information as a victim of this scam, please contact ua-oit-security@alaska.edu.