MU's (University of Missouri) division of IT has alerted its users of Webmail accounts about a phishing mail, which asks the users for their private information, as reported by MISSOURIAN on May 6, 2008.

The mail, which was sent on the evening of May 5, 2008, asked the users about Paw Print password and confidential question and answer. The mail, which appears to have come from This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , demands the data for a "new Mizzou Webmail" application. The mail also threatens them to delete their accounts if they fail to send the desired information in seven days.

Further, some users receive mails to divulge their private data failing to which their accounts would be closed. They were asked to send four things including user ID and password.

A Spokesperson with the division, Terry Robb, recommends the users, who sent their information of password, to change their password as soon as possible. And those who did not reply to the mail should delete it immediately, as reported by MISSOURIAN on May 6, 2008.

Users are also advised not to answer the mail, which directs them to call at a given number to make an urgent issue of account. Officials said that this number is unauthentic and is not related to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The IT division of MU has also suggests users to follow some instructions to safeguard from Internet security concerns. The division also told the users never to reveal any private data without making sure that the source is reliable.

Also, phishing has become a rampant issue, which is heavily costing to consumers, universities and enterprises every year. These days phishing attacks are on a rise on the university across the world. Especially, the students are facing many troubles with their mail accounts followed by a recent spammer 'phishing' scam mailed to students.

As per an MU division of IT mail, this is reported to be the second attack on the MU Webmail accounts as a phishing scam was sent to MU mail accounts at the end of last month (2007). In that case the sender appeared to be from Boone County National Bank. Naturally, the mail was not authentic.