SCAM alert! I have received multiple messages today stating that emails using my name and a slightly changed version of the Center for Intercultural Dialogue’s email have been sent to those affiliated with the Center.
There are two parts to this scam. The first is a general call for help, and the second asks for money.
This is the first message you may have received:
“How are you doing today?.
Please, I need your assistance for the CID.
Get back to me by email so I can explain further
Regards
Wendy”
This is followed by my correct name, titles, and affiliations. The email comes from “interculit.dialogue@gmail.com” instead of the Center’s correct email.
One of those who was fooled into thinking it was an actual message from me answered, and then received a request for a large amount of cash (about $1000 in USD) to be sent immediately, and reimbursed later due to an unnamed emergency. Luckily this colleague then noticed the incorrect email and did not send money.
I will be doing everything possible to stop this scam, but am having trouble getting through to a human at Gmail. In the meantime, please do not respond to these scammers, and definitely do not send money to them! This is not how the Center conducts business; I would never send colleagues supposedly urgent messages requesting large amounts of money.
**Update: anyone receiving these phishing messages should report and block them – instructions (and more information on how to identify phishing attacks to protect yourself) can be found here.
Wendy Leeds-Hurwitz, Director
Center for Intercultural Dialogue
Center for Intercultural Dialogue 