Your manager sends an urgent message asking you to buy gift cards. Would you do it? What if someone you’ve met online asks for money? Or a familiar voice on the phone asks you to share sensitive information?
At Yale and at home, don't let a familiar name, face, or voice be the only reason you trust a message. Pause and verify who's really behind it before you act.
Even if the name looks familiar, the request could be a scam. Cybercriminals impersonate people we know, organizations we trust, and even romantic partners to steal money or information. AI is making these disguises harder to spot.
This October during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, explore Yale's Security Unmasked events and discover how these schemes work:
- Oct. 15 at noon | The Yahoo Boys: New York Times reporter Carlos Barragán investigates Nigeria’s Yahoo Boys, the scammers behind romance schemes that exploit trust and emotion for financial gain. Hear the story from both sides of the scam.
- Oct. 22 at noon | Stepping into the dark: Cyber expert Ben Syn takes a closer look at the internet’s hidden corners and what they mean for higher education.
- Oct. 28 at noon | Who's really behind the mask: PCMag's Kim Key reveals how scammers use AI and what you can do to stay protected.
Ready to enhance your cyber muscles?
Explore Yale's Security Unmasked events and activities throughout October. See what's happening and register.