Email scam alert: free piano scam (11/16/22)

Scammers are targeting the UB community by sending email claiming to be a UB employee stating that another UB employee is looking to give away a piano (there are many examples - this is just one): 

Dear Student/Faculty/Staff,

One of our staffs at UB Mrs. Samantha Bordonaro is downsizing and looking to give away her late dad’s piano to a loving home. The Piano is a 2014 Yamaha Baby Grand used like new. I will not be checking this email often. You can write her to indicate your interest on her private email samanthabufallo.edu@outlook.com to arrange inspection and delivery with a moving company.

Regards.

Kathleen S Heckman

Associate Vice President for Administration, University Advancement

UADV Administration AVP

(716) 645-[redacted]

Email [redacted]@buffalo.edu

The State University of New York

University at Buffalo

• The email address may appear to include the legitimate employees name, but often uses a non-UB email address.
• Grammar issues (staffs)
• A non-UB email is being used to solicit information
• If you respond, the scammer will request payment to arrange delivery, but the piano will never arrive.

1. Contact any financial institutions involved
2. Make a report to your local law enforcement.  If you are a member of the University at Buffalo, please contact University Police
3. File a complaint at the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)