Enter the CTS Phishing Derby Contest for a Chance to Win an Amazon Gift Card

We will have our fourth annual phishing derby contest this year.  Phishing emails are those that ask for personally identifying information such as date of birth, social security number, credit card number, and usernames and passwords.  These emails are used to steal your identity or get access to data. An example of one sent to people at SUNY Oswego is listed below. This is a scam because it creates a sense of urgency that your email and account will be blocked if you don’t click on the provided link. The link will try to collect some data, most likely your username and password. 

[Image reads: Hi User, Your email will be blocked.  Click here and follow the instructions to recover your mail.  Failure to do so, your mail will be permanently blocked. Thanks, Account Team]

To participate in the contest, just send any phishing scam email you receive during the month of October to phishing@oswego.edu.  All faculty, staff, and students can participate in the contest.  Enter as many times as you like. Make sure your entries are in by October 30th.  On October 31, three participants will be randomly drawn and will receive a $10, $25, or $50 Amazon gift card.  

More examples of phishing emails received at SUNY Oswego are available from our Phishing Emails page.