Recent Adware Scam

Please be advised that NYU does not sponsor unannounced surveys.  If you have any questions about the legitimacy of a communication you receive, please do not reply to the communication or click any embedded links or options.   Instead, please contact security@nyu.edu

Adware can have the following characteristics:

  • Deceptive and full of malware that will install on your device as options are clicked
  • Deceptive and fairly benign, and will present users with multiple click-thrus

Pop-ups like these may mean that your device is infected.  If you see them, please contact your local System Administrator or NYU IT at AskIT@nyu.edu or 212.998.3333.

*Click images to enlarge

Screenshot of an email purporting to be from TOC Research Group, dated 2/3/16 and addressed "Dear New York University User".  The email states that that the adressee's computer has been selected to participate in an anonymous surver re: experiences with NYU and provides the user's IP address. The email offers several "exclusive reward offers" for survey completion, worth at least $70, and asks "Do you feel like you're currently paying too much for your New York University internet connection?".  The following four multiple choice options are presented, "Yes, way too much", "Yes, I would like to pay less", "No, the price is just right", and "I'm not sure".

 

Screenshot of a web pop-up which states that that the adressee's computer has been selected to participate in an anonymous surver re: experiences with NYU and provides the user's IP address. The email offers several "exclusive reward offers" for survey completion, worth at least $70.