August 13, 2026

Dear URI community,

URI is seeing an increase in scam emails offering free high-value items in exchange for shipping fees or other payments. Do not respond, send money, or provide personal or financial information.

These messages may offer MacBook Pros, guitars, gaming consoles, vehicles, or other expensive items at little or no cost. The scammers then request a down payment, shipping fee, or other payment.

Watch for these warning signs:

• An unsolicited offer for an expensive item at little or no cost
• Requests for payment by bank transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency, or other unusual payment methods
• A sender address that does not match the organization or person the message claims to represent
• Instructions to continue the conversation by text, phone, Gmail, Yahoo, or another personal account
• Pressure to respond or pay quickly
• Unusual grammar, formatting, or other inconsistencies

If you receive one of these messages:

• Do not send money or personal information.
• Do not reply to the sender.
• Do not click links or download attachments.
• Do not use phone numbers or email addresses provided in the message.
• Report the email using the Proofpoint Report Suspicious button.

If you have questions or believe you may have interacted with one of these scams, contact the ITS Information Security Office at security@uri.edu.

Thank you for helping keep the URI community secure.