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.
