It has been brought to our attention that some of our prospective students have received a spoof/phishing email. The spoof email is a deceptive email claiming to be sent by California Coast University. Called "spoof emails" they are also known as "hoax" or "phisher" emails. "Phishing" and internet fraud is an issue that, from time to time, can affect any internet user or business. We remain committed to safeguarding the integrity of the information provided by applicants. If you are enrolled student and have questions, please contact student services at student_services@calcoast.edu. If you are a prospective student, please contact Admissions at admissions@calcoast.edu.

Fraudulent Email from California Coast University (updated 11-27-2007)

California Coast University (CCU) has become aware of fraudulent e-mails appearing to be from CCU. The e-mails ask recipients to for the following information:

- scanned copy of card holder's IC or driver's license
- scanned copy of the front side of card holder's credit card
- scanned copy of card holder's credit card statement

The fraudulent email instructs the recipients to forward the above information to information@caclcoast-service.org within 5 days. The email includes a "Subject" line that states: "California Coast University Online Application" with "Caclcoast Service" as the sender. In an attempt to persuade the recipients about the authenticity of this email, the domain name "caclcoast-service.org" redirects the request to "calcoast.edu" which is CCU's official domain.

The domain "Caclcoast-service.org" and email address "information@caclcoast-service.org" ARE NOT affiliated with CCU.

CCU wants to remind you that we NEVER request personal information via unsolicited mail (i.e. not a response to an email sent by you). If you ever receive an email message that appears to be from CCU, but you suspect that it is not legitimate, we request that you take the following actions:

DO NOT respond to the e-mail
DO NOT click on any links within the email
Attach and forward the e-mail to: spoof@calcoast.edu
Delete the e-mail upon forwarding to CCU

Additionally, you can file formal complaints concerning any suspected fraudulent e-mail with the Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC) at http://www.ic3.gov. The IFCC is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the National White Collar Crime Center.

CCU is attempting to identify the source of the fraudulent e-mails and disrupt the transmission. Until this is achieved, students and prospective students should notify the FDIC at alert@fdic.gov of any similar attempts to obtain personal financial information.

For more information about phishing scams, please access the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website.