Attempted fraud: USI calls for caution

In the last few days, an Italian company that shares the name USI has issued a warning about an online scam involving fraudulent text messages. These messages invite individuals to call phone numbers with an Italian prefix (+39). Due to the similarity in names, some users mistakenly believed that these messages came from Università della Svizzera italiana. However, we want to clarify that USI is completely unrelated to this situation.

These text messages are fraudulent attempts. Università della Svizzera italiana does not use text messages for official communications and never requests callbacks or personal data through this medium.

We advise you to ignore these messages and avoid replying. If you are uncertain, please contact the University directly through official channels.

Further recommendations:

• Do not click on suspicious links: Fraudulent messages may include links to malicious websites designed to steal personal information or install malware.
• Do not provide personal data: never send sensitive data such as passwords, credit card numbers or security codes via SMS or telephone.
• Report messages: if you receive a suspicious SMS, it is useful to report it to the competent authorities and your telephone operator.
• Verify the sender's identity: If you have any doubts about the authenticity of a message, contact the institution or company directly through official channels.
• Keep your software up to date: Make sure your phone's operating system and apps are always up to date to protect yourself from security vulnerabilities.

Useful contacts:

• To report online fraud: https://www.report.ncsc.admin.ch/it/
• To report suspicious text messages to your telephone operator:
  • Recognise and report spam and phishing – Help | Swisscom
  • Report fraud / misconduct | Sunrise
• To contact USI: https://www.desk.usi.ch/en/it-support-desk