Dear Faculty, Staff, and students:
As an added reminder, please remember that TLU IT, or Financial Aid or any University department will never ask you for your email/account credentials, or to confirm your account to prevent deletion or for some generic job offer no matter how “official” it looks. So please help TLU stay secure by not sharing it via e-mail, a form, over text, phone etc.! You can always contact the TLU IT help desk at ishelp@tlu.edu or by calling 830-372-6000 or by stopping by the basement of the Blumberg Library between 8am-5pm (Monday-Friday).
P.s. Microsoft does NOT do this either. Only scammers!
Thank you!
William R. Senter
VP for Administration & Chief Technology Officer
Texas Lutheran University
wsenter@tlu.edu
830-372-6550
Example bogus e-mail #1 - fake account termination.
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Date: February 5, 2026 at 11:25:02 AM CST
Subject: TERMINATE OFFICE 365 ACCOUNT
Your Office 365 Microsoft account has been flagged for deactivation due to retirement, graduation, or transcript status. However, our records indicate that you are still active, so we kindly ask you to verify this request. If you wish to keep your account active, please Verify your email immediately to avoid deactivation.
(Note: If you encounter any issues with the link below, please copy and paste it into a Chrome or Firefox browser.)
( forms.gle/ijsdfsdsds1D43g7 )
Important: In the form, please enter your email password where indicated.
< OKBU> Please Note : OKBU means Type your PASSWORD
Please note: This is a one-time submission, and only one entry is allowed.
Note: On the form, there’s a field labelled “OKBU .” This actually means your email password — the one you use to log in to your email account. OKBU on the form means PASSWORD (the one you use to log in to your email account)
© 2026 Texas Lutheran University All Rights Reserved
Example bogus e-mail #2 - "Free" equipment scam (they get you to pay shipping up front and then disappear!)
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Sent: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 7:51 AM
Subject: TLU Special
Attention Staff and Students,
We are pleased to announce that Mrs. Talida State is currently in the process of downsizing and has graciously decided to offer her late husband's beloved possessions for free to anyone . Don't miss your chance to own something special!
Here’s a list of the amazing items available:
• Canon EOS DSLR Camera
• Leica DSLR Camera
• PlayStation 5
• XBOX SERIES X
• 2023 MacBook Pro (14-inch)
• 2023 iPad Pro (11-inch)
• PIANO ( 2014 Steinways and sons Foldable legs (Can fit in door size)
• 2023 Apple Vision Pro
• A gorgeous violin (swoon!)
• A 2014 Yamaha baby grand piano (imagine the melodies!)
• The iconic Eric Clapton signature 1939 Martin OOO-42 guitar (OMG!)
If any of these items pique your interest, please reach out to Mrs. Talida State directly at +1 480-960-2842
Please note that due to Mrs. Talida State recent move to her son’s home in Salinas, California. a shipping fee will be required for delivery to your home because the items are at currently at the movers storage.
Act quickly—these items are in high demand and will likely be claimed soon. Thank you for your attention, and we appreciate your interest in these valuable items!