Fraudulent Text Messages and Phone Calls | Communications Center

The Office of Information Security Services has become aware of fraudulent text messages and phone calls targeting BSU users. These fraudulent text messages and phone calls are made to appear from someone at Ball State. Some of the text message have included language similar to:

Text Message
“Hello
Let me know once you get my text, Thanks. <Ball State employee name>
Are you available now?
I am in an appointment right now can’t talk on the phone. I need you to run an urgent errand for me from any store around you, let me know if you can do this. Thanks!”

These texts and phone calls did not come from Ball State University.

These fraudulent text messages are often made to appear as if they are coming from Ball State and urge the recipient to purchase iTunes cards and send them the codes.

Many times these text messages are preceded by a spoofed email asking for a phone number.

If you are in doubt about the validity of the email message, contact the Technology HelpDesk by visiting www.bsu.edu/helpdesk to report an issue or by calling 765-285-1517. They can assist you in determining the validity of a suspicious email.

Office of Information Security Services
security@bsu.edu