Several Lafayette email users have recently received an email message from the "EDU messaging center" saying that the user's account will be deleted unless s/he sends a reply that contains the account's password. The message appears to be vaguely legitimate by virtue of containing the user's actual name, the Lafayette Webmail logo, and a snappy image of the Marquis.

This message is part of a "phishing" scam whose sole purpose is to gain access to email credentials so nasty things can be done with them. If you receive such a message, or any other message from any entity that requests confidential information, do not reply to it. ITS will never ask for your password, and no other legitimate organization should either.

For more information about how to deal with phishing, visit the federal government's OnGuard Online: Phishing web site. To learn more about phishing schemes in general, read this Wikipedia article on phishing.