GRADUATE STUDENT SCAM WARNING: You are being targeted.
A client of mine was recently targeted for a scam specifically aimed at graduate students. Fortunately, he noticed some warning signs but others at that school were not so fortunate. The attempt is highly tailored to each person, so it’s easy to see why it would be effective and I wanted to warn all of you!
The scam starts off with a text message “Hi, STUDENT’S NAME, How are you? I need to know if you are available at the moment. The sign off used HIS ADVISOR’S ACTUAL NAME! The scammer had most likely gotten his phone number and advisor’s name from his online curriculum vitae (CV).
The student replied to the text message to say that he was available and could call him in a few minutes. The scammer then replied that they were in a meeting but that they needed the student to go to the nearest store and buy Apple cards for a presentation right after the meeting.
There were a couple of warning signs, the main one being the text message was received from a telephone number that was not the same as the student’s advisor’s number. He immediately dialed his professor’s actual number and the professor confirmed that it was a scam.
This scam hit multiple graduate students at his university! Be aware that this scam is going around. I know researchers sometimes use gift cards to pay research participants so I could see how this could fool people. If anyone you don’t know or whose identity you cannot verify asks you for gift cards, it is very likely a scam. If your research lab uses gift cards, discuss this scam with your advisor and come up with a way to make sure any requests are legitimate (e.g., a code word or some other method of confirmation).
Be aware, this scam is also targeting graduate students via email.
Grad Students Targeted By Scam: Here’s what to do.
If you’ve been targeted for a scam, you can report it to the FTC. They also have advice for what to do if you think you’ve been scammed out of money or personal information.
Wishing You All the Best in Your Academic Success.
–Dr. Cristie Glasheen, Your Graduate Student Success Coach.
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I.M., Ph.D. in Economics
What’s been the most helpful? “It has been useful to look at problems from a different/more helpful perspective. I like that I have been able to work on my thesis sustainably without burning out, considering that I have a full-time job. I usually feel very motivated to work on my thesis after the meeting with Cristie, and having weekly meetings helps me be accountable and drastically reduce my procrastination. I also really appreciate the knowledge sharing of resources and the work smarter, not harder approach (e.g. AI suggestions, Andy Stapleton videos, Focusmate, programs that help with identifying duplicates, etc).”
A.S., Ph.D. Candidate, Industrial/Organizational Psychology
I PASSED [the oral comprehensive exams]. Thank you so so so so so much! I could not have done this without you! [redacted for privacy] I can’t believe it’s over […] The beginning of the end is finally here! I’m so happy!!!
T.N., PhD. Evolutionary Biology
I’m a doctor!!! Wooo! The presentation went well […]. Thanks so much for all of your help getting to this point! I really appreciate it!
R.H., Admissions Coaching for Master’s Higher Education Admin
“Hi Dr. Cristie! (…)
I’m happy to report I got into all the programs I applied for!
- [Redacted] University: fully funded, plus $24,000 stipend & health care (…)
- University of [Redacted]: no scholarship offered, did not apply for GA positions.
- [Redacted] University: offered 50% tuition, GA position offered up to 66% tuition. (…)”
*Some content redacted for privacy.
A.S., Ph.D. Epidemiology
I don’t know how other people who are balancing work and family manage to finish their dissertations without a coach, but I am so glad [other client] told me about you. This was the best decision I could’ve made. I’m so thankful.
M.H., Ph.D. Toxicology
Dr. Glasheen! I passed with barely any revisions requested of me. I am able to submit my dissertation tomorrow morning […]!
Thank you for all your help!
F.N., Ph.D. in Environmental Economics
What’s been the most helpful? “Breaking down tasks that overwhelm me. Navigating many difficult decisions that are crucial towards achieving my PhD. Getting feedback on my work. And tracking the work in progress which is often invisible.”
“I think Dr. Cristie does an amazing job. I have tried the free coaching provided by my institution and I would rather pay Dr. Cristie.”
H.N., Masters in Public Health
Just want to appreciate the incredible Cristie and how wonderful of a mentor she is. I’d want to be your student and to learn from you over and over again! There’s absolutely no one half as good as you’re. Thank you for being a part of my journey. My heart is SO full now that I’m done with my degree and I reflect on the huge role that you played in making it true. What a gem!
A.M., PhD Student, Economics
Successfully submitted my online [grant] application! It was an unknown journey for me, but what I now do know is that it was possible greatly thanks to you. So thank you so much!
K.H., Doctor of Physical Therapy Student
It has been a crazy semester but it is going really well. Just finished 2 of my courses and feel really good about them. I feel like I have been able to use so much from working with you the last year to make this semester go amazing.
A.S., Ph.D. Public Health
Finished! My dissertation was defended on 01-July and I am an official Ph.D.! What an incredible journey. I am so grateful for our interactions and still apply [your] lessons in life.
S.C., Professional Development Coaching
It’s so very evident how much Dr. Cristie cares about my progress and successes. It gets me through the hard days knowing how much she is genuinely routing for me. She’s gone out of her way to be responsive and supportive and help me get past the blocks I kept running into. She really did help get me unstuck and now I’m staying that way.
Alex, Ph.D. Environmental Science
Having Cristie as a coach was one of the best investments I made in graduate school. Period. She was instrumental in helping me pass my comprehensive exam and finish my research proposal, all while giving me the tools to manage two other projects I was juggling at the time. Despite being laser-focused and results-driven in helping me achieve my academic outcomes, Cristie is also very human and reminded me that graduate school is more than just academics and that you have to make time for yourself and for fun stuff.
K.G., Ph.D. Public Health
Just got this in my email – [Dissertation] Approved with no restrictions! THANKS, COACH!
A.M., Postdoc, Atmospheric Science
Hi Cristie, I just wanted to let you know that I finished my presentation on time… one day ahead of schedule! That’s a first for me. Thank you for your help keeping me on track with our coaching sessions!
G.G., Ph.D. Bioinformatics
I just wanted to let you know I successfully defended and will be graduating in a couple weeks!
Thank you again for all your help […]!
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