FBI Warns of Fictitious “Work-from-home” Scam Targeting University Students

College students across the United States have been targeted to participate in work-from-home scams. Students have been receiving e-mails to their school accounts recruiting them for payroll and/or human resource positions with fictitious companies. The “position” simply requires the student to provide his/her bank account number to receive a deposit and then transfer a portion of the funds to another bank account. Unbeknownst to the student, the other account is involved in the scam that the student has now helped perpetrate. The funds the student receives and is directed elsewhere have been stolen by cyber criminals. Participating in the scam is a crime and could lead to the student’s bank account being closed due to fraudulent activity or federal charges.

Here’s how the scam works:

  • The student is asked to provide his/her bank account credentials under the guise of setting up direct deposit for his/her pay.
  • The scammers will add the student’s bank account to a victim employee’s direct deposit information to redirect the victim’s payroll deposit to the student’s account.
  • The student will receive the payroll deposit from the victim’s employer in the victim’s name.
  • The student will be directed to withdraw funds from the account and send a portion of the deposit, via wire transfer, to other individuals involved in the scam.

Consequences of Participating in the Scam:

  • The student’s bank account will be identified by law enforcement as being involved in the fraud.
  • The victim employee has his/her pay stolen by the scammers utilizing the student’s bank account.
  • Without the student’s participation, the scam could not be perpetrated, so he/she facilitated the theft of the paycheck.
  • The student could be arrested and prosecuted in federal court. A criminal record will stay with the student for the rest of his/her life and will have to be divulged on future job applications, which could prevent the student from being hired.
  • The student’s bank account may be closed due to fraudulent activity and a report could be filed by the bank.
  • This could adversely affect the student’s credit record.

Tips on how to Protect Yourself from this Scam:

  • If a job offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Never accept a job that requires the depositing of funds into your account and wiring them to different accounts.
  • Look for poor use of the English language in e-mails such as incorrect grammar, capitalization, and tenses. Many of the scammers who send these messages are not native English speakers.
  • Never provide credentials of any kind such as bank account information, login names, passwords, or any other identifying information in response to a recruitment e-mail.
  • Forward these e-mails to the university’s IT personnel and tell your friends to be on the lookout for the scam.

If you have been a victim of this scam, you may file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. Please reference this PSA number in your complaint.

The IC3 produced a PSA in May 2014 titled “Cyber-related Scams Targeting Universities, Employees, and Students,” which mentioned this scam. The PSA can be viewed at http://www.ic3.gov/media/2014/140505.aspx.

Holiday Safety Tips

Season of Safety

Crimes such as robberies, burglaries, and thefts typically increase during the holiday season.  With holiday travel, shopping and preparations more people are out and about and they tend to be carrying more money and valuables than during other times of the year.  It’s important to be mindful of safety during these busy times and to take the steps we can to make ourselves less vulnerable to crime.

We have compiled holiday safety tips to assist students, faculty and staff in safeguarding their property and keeping themselves safe, whether traveling or remaining on campus throughout the recess period.  Please consider these safety tips to use:

For Your Room, Office and Home When You’re Away:

  • Be sure all of your windows and doors are locked before you leave.
  • Valuables and displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors.
  • When possible, take valuables with you, or lock them up.
  • Give your home an occupied appearance by leaving the lights on or using an automatic timer to turn inside and outside lights on and off.
  • Ask a trusted neighbor to watch your house or apartment and to park in your driveway or parking space from time to time.
  • Stop your mail and newspaper deliveries.
  • Arrange to have snow shoveled (if necessary) while you are gone.

While Driving and in Parking Areas:

  • Contact people at your destination and let them know when you are leaving and when you expect to arrive.
  • If your car breaks down, stay with the car and accept no rides. If someone stops to help, ask him or her to call the police. Use your own cell phone if signal range allows.
  • Never leave your vehicle running while unattended.
  • Fuel your vehicle during daylight hours when possible and maintain at least ½ tank of gas.
  • Never leave valuables on the seat of your vehicle in plain view as this creates a temptation for thieves.  If you must leave something in your vehicle, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
  • Always lock your vehicle and keep the windows closed even if you are only going to be gone for a few minutes.
  • Park in a highly visible well-lit space. It may be daylight when you arrive at your location, but dark when you come out.
  • Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows where people can hide.
  • Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked. You don’t want to spend unnecessary time walking around the parking lot.
  • When returning to your vehicle, carry your keys in your hand and be ready to unlock the door and enter as quickly as possible.
  • Avoid texting or talking on the phone while walking so that you can see where you’re going and who is around you.
  • Know your surroundings. Look around the parking lot and your vehicle for suspicious people. If you notice odd behavior, inform security or the police immediately.
  • Look into your vehicle’s windows and under the body before entering to ensure no one is waiting for you.
  • Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
  • Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
  • When you get in your vehicle, lock the doors and start the engine immediately.
  • Use the “panic” or “alarm” button on your key chain if you feel fearful or suspicious.

At the ATM:

  • If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a bank, mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
  • Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings when you use an ATM.
  • If you notice anything unusual, cancel your transaction, pocket your card and leave immediately. Go to a safe place and call police.
  • Have everything ready (deposit slips, card) when you arrive at the ATM. When you have completed your transaction, pocket your cash and card immediately.
  • When using a drive-up ATM keep the car running, your car doors locked and all windows except for the driver’s side window rolled up.
  • Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.
  • Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.
  • Treat your ATM card like cash and guard it carefully. Never write your pin number on the card or give account numbers or card information over the phone, unless you know exactly to whom you are speaking.

While You’re Out or Shopping:

  • Stay alert and be aware of everything around you. Take a minute to observe who may be watching you. Criminals often target people who are distracted.
  • Don’t use short cuts through alleys or walkways; stay in well-lit and well-traveled areas.
  • When possible shop with friends or relatives – there is safety in numbers.
  • As you shop, be alert in crowded places. Among pickpockets’ favorites are jammed aisles, elevators, and public transportation stops, especially at rush hour.
  • If you must take a wallet or purse, carry it close to your body with the clasp nearest you and be alert.  They are prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.  Never leave your wallet or purse
unattended in a shopping cart or on a counter.
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash – use debit card, credit card or check.
  • Cash should be carried in a front pocket. Do not display large sums of cash.
  • Make a list of all your credit/debit cards and their numbers and keep this list at home. This will assist you and the police if they are stolen.  Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
  • Be alert for suspicious persons loitering in parking lots.
  • Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
  • Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, “con-artists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
  • If you feel unsafe, ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.

When There’s a Stranger at Your Door:

  • Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts.
  • It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes although no charity is involved.
  • Ask for their identification, and find out how the donated funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, do not donate.
  • Donate to a recognized charitable organization.
  • Criminals sometimes work in teams – while one distracts you at the front door, another enters your residence via a back door to steal.

UCAPD Launches Community Safety Education Series

The UCA Police Department is pleased to introduce, as part of our new Community Safety Education Series, the first topic in the series, “Winter Storms”. Why talk about winter storms? Each year, exposure to cold, vehicle accidents caused by wintry roads, and fires caused by the improper use of heaters injure and kill hundreds of people in the United States. Add these to other winter weather hazards and you have a significant threat to human health and safety.

A major winter storm can last for several days and can include high winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall, and cold temperatures. People can become marooned at home without utilities or other services. Heavy snowfall and blizzards can trap motorists in their vehicles and make walking to find help a deadly effort. Storm effects, such as severely cold temperatures, heavy snow, and coastal flooding, can cause hazardous conditions and hidden problems. The aftermath of a winter storm can impact a community or region for days, weeks, or even months.

The “Winter Storms” guide provides detailed information intended to help you and your family reduce your risk of injury or loss in the event of severe winter weather. The guide includes general information about the threats presented by winter storms and action or awareness messages that describe what you should do to prepare for and get safely through winter storms.

The Community Safety Education Series can be found under the Emergency Management tab of our website or by following this link: https://uca.edu/police/go/CSES

Campus emergency procedures for Winter Storms/Ice Storms can be found under the Emergency Management tab of our website or by following the link: https://uca.edu/police/index.php/winter-stormsice-storms/

We hope you find the information helpful in keeping you and your family safe this winter at home and on the road.

UCAPD Release Activity Report for FY 2013-14

The UCA Police Department has released its Annual Activity Report for fiscal year 2013-2014. This report includes an accounting of the mission, purposes, functions and operations of the UCA Police Department and an analysis of police activity and criminal incidents for fiscal year 2013-2014. It represents a comprehensive view of the outstanding work performed by officers, emergency communications specialists, and support staff of the police department.

Click here to access the report.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic-Violence-AwarenessShare-a-Bear Drop Off Locations:

UCAPD Lobby

Student Center Information Desk

Sociology Department Office- Irby 306

Conway Police Department – 1105 Prairie St.

Log Cabin Democrat- 1111 Main St.

Domestic violence thrives when we are silent. Dating violence is domestic violence.  It is the use of power and control over one individual by someone who is supposed to care about her or him.  Dating violence is not only just physical, but can also be emotional and psychological abuse and include behaviors such as stalking, isolation of friends and family, and being possessive.  Since this is often a first love or serious relationship, many young people may not know the red flags or identify problematic behaviors. One is too many.

Are you dating someone…

  • Who is jealous and possessive, wants to pick your friends, checks up on you, won’t accept breaking up, accuses you of cheating?
  • Who wants to get too serious about the relationship before you are ready? Who pressures you for intimacy?
  • Who tries to control you, is very bossy and gives orders, makes all the decisions, doesn’t take your opinions seriously?
  • Who puts you down in front of family and friends, tells you that you would be nothing without them?
  • Who scares you? Makes you worry about their reaction to things you say or do? Threatens you?
  • Who makes your family and friends uneasy and concerned for your safety? Who is violent? Has a history of fighting, losing temper quickly, brags about mistreating others. Grabs, pushes or shoves you? Destroys your personal property?
  • Who uses guilt trips or threatens to hurt themselves if you leave?

If you answered YES to any of the questions above, you could be in an unhealthy relationship.

Signs of a healthy relationship:

  • You can be YOURSELF when you are with that person.
  • You are a better person when with that other person.
  • You can agree to disagree.

If you need help or would like to talk to someone contact the UCA Counseling Center (501-450-3138) or The Women’s Shelter of Central Arkansas (1-800-358-2265). If you are having an emergency call 911 Immediately.

Resources:

NATIONAL CAMPUS SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH

safety month logo

September is National Campus Safety Awareness Month (NCSAM) and UCAPD is partnering with the UCA Community to provide a full schedule of events and programming to raise awareness and promote safety with the start of the new academic year.

PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS 2014

Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week


  • 80 Proof Extravaganza – Alumni Circle- Wednesday, September 3-

12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Members of the RSO, 80 Proof will coordinate games such as putt putt golf, bowling, ping pong, and the SGA Pedal Carts for students to participate in while wearing the vision impairment goggles. There will be giveaways!

 

 

  • The Truth About Alcohol Video- Student Health Center 307- Thursday, September 4- X- Period

Explains what alcohol and drugs are and what they do to your body and mind – told by people who’ve been there, done them and survived to tell about it.

 

  • UCAAlertSystem TEST- A cell phone near you!-Thursday, September 4-

X-Period

In the event of an emergency which poses an immediate threat to the campus community, the UCA Police Department will use the UCAAlert system to notify the campus community through text/voice messages and email.

Hazing Prevention Awareness Week

 

  • Don’t Haze Me Bro! Banner Fingerprinting- Amphitheater-

Tuesday, September 9- X-Period

In observance of Hazing Prevention Awareness Week students, faculty, and staff will have the opportunity to put their fingerprint on a banner and make a pledge to do their part to stop hazing. The banner will be a focal point during the awareness walk on Thursday.

 

  • Don’t Haze Me Bro! Awareness Walk- Football Practice Field-

Thursday, September 11-X-Period

– In observance of Hazing Prevention Awareness Week students, faculty, and staff will take to the streets to show UCA’s commitment to the prevention of hazing.

 

  • Haze Documentary- College of Business Auditorium-

Thursday, September 11- 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

-This compelling video addresses the national crisis of alcohol abuse and hazing on college campuses. In September 2004, Pledge Gordie Bailey died from alcohol poisoning after passing out on a couch in his fraternity house following a hazing initiation at the University of Colorado.

 

 Theft Prevention and Personal Safety Week

 

  • Operation ID, Smart 911, Active Shooter Video- COB Auditorium-

Tuesday, September 16- X-Period

-Students, faculty, and staff will receive information on how to register valuables in Operation ID, the benefits of Smart 911, and have the opportunity to view the video Shots Fired on Campus: When Lightning Strikes! UCAPD is presenting this 20 minute video that teaches students realistic strategies for dealing with an active shooter situation on campus.

 

  • Brake for Bears!- A Crosswalk Near You!

Wednesday, September 17- 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

-UCAPD and the Student Government Association are once again teaming up to promote pedestrian safety through the Brake for Bears campaign. Volunteers and UCA Police officers will encourage safety awareness throughout the morning at various crosswalks around campus by distributing pedestrian safety information and, while supplies last, official Brake for Bears t-shirts.

 

  • Situational Awareness Class- Student Center 225-

Tuesday, September 18- X- Period

-Students, faculty, and staff will receive information on the meaning of situational awareness and how to be proactive about personal safety.

 

 Sexual Assault Awareness Week

 

  • Stand Up and Speak Out Video- Student Health Center 307-

Tuesday, September 23 and Thursday, September 25- X-Period

-UCAPD is partnering with the UCA Counseling Center to present this 20 minute video that addresses acquaintance rape and is specifically designed for college students.

 

  • Clothes Line Project- Amphitheater-

Tuesday, September 23- 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The UCA Counseling Center and the Conway Women’s Shelter presents this awareness program that focuses on domestic violence. T-shirts designed by survivors of domestic violence are displayed and the consequence (sometimes deadly) of domestic violence is outlined.

 

  • He Said/She Said- Ida Waldron Auditorium-

Wednesday, September 24- 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The Office of Diversity and Community presents this interactive program that solicits input from the audience as to what constitutes a sexual assault. A factual story of a sexual assault will be told and the outcome revealed after audience input. The event will be staffed by Diversity and Community, UCA Counseling Center, and UCAPD.

 

  • Self-Defense Class- Student Center 205A (Ballroom)-

Thursday, September 25- 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

-Students, faculty, and staff will receive information on the meaning of self-defense and the laws that can protect them. Verbal Judo will be discussed and there will be hands-on instruction.

 

 

Don’t Forget!!!!

SOMETIME IN SEPTEMBER SO WATCH YOUR STUFF!!

UCAPD will partner with Housing & Residence Life and Torreyson Library staff for Operation Gotcha! Officers and authorized staff will check residence halls and the library for unattended valuables and unlocked doors. Students will receive a “Gotcha” tag if items are found unattended.

 

Prescription Drug Take Back

On Saturday, September 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the UCAPD and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the campus community an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes and residence halls of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your medications for disposal to the UCAPD. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.


 

UCA is a safe campus and it takes all of us working together to keep it that way!

These programs and events would not be possible without the support and collaborative efforts of the following departments and student groups:

Housing and Residence Life

Student Wellness and Development

Student Life

Greek Life

UCA Counseling Center

Diversity and Community

Physical Plant

SGA

All Greek Council

80 Proof

UCA Athletics

UCA Band

Torreyson Library

Executive Staff

UCAPD wishes you a safe and productive year! We are glad you are here!

The UCA Police Department would like to welcome everyone to the Fall 2014 Semester! Safety and security is the responsibility of everyone. We depend on each and every member of the university community to take an active role in maintaining our excellent quality of life on campus by following a few simple precautions.welcome UCA students

  • When you leave your apartment or your room, lock your door and windows.
  • Do not leave personal items of value unattended.
  • Pay attention to your surroundings; avoid distractions. Immediately report any suspicious activity to the UCA Police Department. When in doubt, call 9-1-1 for all emergencies or 501-450-3111 for non-emergency police services.
  •  Use the “buddy system” and look out for each other. Safety escorts are available to and from any campus location. To use this service, call 501-450-3111.
  • Remember to lock your car and secure all valuables out of sight. If you have security devices for your vehicle, i.e. alarm or vehicle immobilizer, use them.
  • To obtain police, fire, or medical emergency services, dial 9-1-1 from your cell phone and any campus phone, or activate any “Blue Light” Emergency Phone. Our 24-hour non-emergency phone number is 501-450-3111.
  • We will be testing the UCAAlert System the first week of September. If you do not receive a text from UCAAlert during the test, we will provide you with instructions on how to sign up. UCAAlert will provide you with important information during emergencies, inclement weather closures, etc.
  • The UCA Police Department is located at the intersection of W.J. Sowder & Marion Ross Avenue, between Estes Stadium and Christian Cafeteria. Our lobby is open 24/7.
  • We take pride in delivering superior law enforcement services to the campus community and look forward to a successful and productive academic year!

CLICK HERE FOR CRIME PREVENTION TIPS

2014-2015 Parking Permits

2014-2015 STUDENT Parking Permits will be available July 21, 2014. The cost is included with student fees. The permits can be picked up at the UCA Police Department. Student permits will also be available for pickup in McCastlain Hall during fee payment/registration periods held in the McCastlain Hall ballroom.

 

2014-2015 FACULTY/STAFF Parking Permits

CLICK HERE to fill out your F/S Parking Permit Application Form then send it to UCA Police via campus mail.

Prescription Drug Take Back Event Saturday, September 27

On Saturday, September 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the UCAPD and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the campus community an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes and residence halls of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

Bring your medications for disposal to the UCAPD at W. J. Sowder and Marion Ross Ave. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.


If you cannot make it by on Saturday please know we have a permanent drop box available to the campus community 24-hours-a-day. The permanent drop box is located at the main entrance to UCAPD.

Permanent MedReturn Drug Collection Unit at UCA

The University of Central Arkansas Police Department has partnered with the Arkansas Department of Health, the Arkansas National Guard Counterdrug Program, and the Arkansas law enforcement community to establish a permanent MedReturn drug collection program.

Members of the UCA community looking to dispose of excess and expired prescription and over-the-counter medications can now visit the safe and secure permanent drop off location at the main entrance to the UCAPD, located at the corner of W. J. Sowder and Marion Ross Avenue on the UCA campus.

Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—pose potential safety and health hazards.

The collection site is available 24-hours-a-day. Drugs can be dropped off with no questions asked.