Why this looks valid
- The email contains information that can be validated, including the gallery and artist name
- Unsolicited job offers directed at college students are common
Why this is fraud
- The originating email address purports to be the IRS, yet the email address in the message is a rather generic looking AOL address
- Misspelling and grammar errors are often indicators of malicious emails
- Although the first email seems innocuous, the second one makes it clear that the recipient has to spend money up front and hints at requiring bank information
Additional notes
- The email does reference a real person and real gallery, so an email to an address listed on the website would quickly establish whether or not this is a valid offer.
- A quick phone call would also help!
- Are you a Vassar student looking for a job? Contact the right experts who can help you at the Career Development Office http://careers.vassar.edu/
- Amazingly, this exact fraud – using the same gallery website and information – has been circulating since 2011.
- This is known as a 419 scam, know as “advanced fee” and usually comes in the form of a lottery notification. If curious, please read more at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advance-fee_scam
- A little paranoia goes a long way! Be suspicious of any email messages similar to this one.