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Cornell University

Seasons Greetings...

This phish typically originates from a non-Cornell account. The sender may appear as "[Spoofed Name] <[user]@optonline.net>" or "[Spoofed Name] <[user]@hotmail.com>" and impersonates a member of university leadership. The scammer's goal is to coerce the recipient into purchasing gift cards. Do not contact the sender.

First Email

Hi,

Would you be so kind as to assist me?

Thanks
[Spoofed Name]

Second Email - If Replied To

So happy I got your response, I can't call for now, actually, that is the reason why I emailed. I've been trying to purchase Apple iTunes gift card for a friend of mine whose birthday is today, unfortunately she's down with cancer of lungs sitting are the hospital right now and I'd promised to get it for her, I can't do this now because the stores around here are out of stock and I tried purchasing online but I am having issue charging my card, I contacted my bank and they told me it would take some time to get it sorted. Can you get it from any store around you? I'll reimburse once my bank sorts the issue out. Kindly let me know if you can handle this.

Await your soonest response.

Best Regards
[Spoofed Name]

 

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