Online Safety

Avoid Phishing Scams

Scammers often try to trick students and employees at Tarrant County College into sharing private information. They use social engineering – the art of using psychology to gain access to secure areas or information.

Hackers and scammers pretend to be trustworthy to get passwords or money, or to put harmful software on your computer. It is important to be careful and not share personal details with anyone you don't trust.

Stay Aware

Look for potential signs of social engineering:

  • Unfamiliar sender: If you don't know the sender or it seems suspicious, do not respond.
  • Suspicious links: Before clicking on any links, hover over it to see the actual URL. If it looks strange, do not click it.
  • Requests for personal information: TCC and other legitimate organizations will never ask for sensitive information like your social security number, passwords or credit card details via email.
  • Requests for funds: Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to trick you into sending money or gift cards.
  • Too good to be true: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scams try to lure you with promises of large sums, prizes, etc. Do your research before responding.

What to Do

Icon of the Phish Alert Report button in OutlookThere are a number of ways to handle a suspected phishing attempt:

  • If you have received a phishing or suspicious email, report it to TCC IT via the Phish Alert button in your Outlook web app or desktop app.
  • If you receive a suspected phishing email, double check with the sender through another communication method like phone or MS Teams.
  • If you are unsure of a message, contact TCC Information Technology at 817-515-8324.

Beware of Recent Scams

Scams impacting the TCC community will be updated here for awareness.

  • September 2024: Students are receiving scam letters claiming to be for a TCC refund. The letter asks students to enter their personal bank details.
  • August 2024: Students received scam emails asking them to purchase gift cards as part of a fake job application.
  • April 2022: Student employees received a scam email that appears to be from college leadership asking them to purchase gift cards.

Updated October 09, 2024