They want you to call them—and give up the goods. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Learn how to keep your cool, protect your hive, and outsmart the sting.
Scammers are buzzing with tricks like this:
It's a typical day. Then an email shows up claiming your antivirus subscription is renewing for $379. It looks kind of legit. No link, no download—just a phone number to call if you want to cancel.
Spoiler alert: it’s a scam.
These are known as callback scams, and they’re on the rise.
Instead of sending you a sketchy link, scammers flip the script and convince you to call them. That way, they avoid spam filters—and catch people off guard.
Once you call, they’ll sound professional and helpful. But they’re actually trying to:
- Trick you into giving personal or financial information
- Get you to log in to your accounts
- Convince you to install remote access tools so they can take over your device
Real Life, Real Risk
These scams don’t just target your personal email. You could receive a callback scam at your Yale inbox or even on your phone via voicemail or text.
All it takes is a moment of distraction—and that’s exactly what scammers count on.
Stay Cool and Cyber-Safe
Here’s how to protect yourself and your loved ones:
- Don’t call numbers from suspicious emails or messages. If something seems off, go directly to the company’s website or log into your account from a trusted source.
- Only allow remote access when you initiate the contact. For example, if you reach out to Yale’s ITS Help Desk for tech support, it’s okay to follow their guidance. A scammer, on the other hand, will rush you and ask for access out of the blue.
- Pause before you act. A few seconds to verify can save you a major headache. If it doesn’t feel right, ask someone you trust or contact Yale’s Information Security Office for help.
Help Your Hive
Scams like these don’t stop at your inbox. They can reach your family, friends, and anyone else in your circle. Share what you’ve learned—because when we stay alert, we help protect the whole hive.