24.07.2026 - 10:18
Ingress
Phishing messages disguised as University announcements with the title "Verify your email account" have been detected. The message prompts you to verify your username.
Do not click any links, open any attachments or reply to the message. You can report the message in Outlook as Phishing (Junk > Report as Phishing). Phishing reports submitted via Outlook also reach the University’s email admins and help prevent IT threats.
If you have replied to the message or if you think you have been scammed, contact IT Helpdesk immediately:
- Chat (weekdays 9–15, chatbot 24/7): helsinki.fi/helpdesk
- Call: 029 41 55555 (weekdays 9–15, local network charge / mobile call charge)
- E-mail: helpdesk@helsinki.fi
How to identify phishing messages
- The sender aims to disguise themselves as a familiar and reliable party, such as the IT-Helpdesk or university e-mail administration.
- The message often includes an urgent request, for example, to change your password, check your personal data or help the sender in one way or another.
- You are asked to click a link or to open an attachment without delay, often with a warning that you are at risk of losing your information or your password expiring if you do not do as asked.
- The message usually contains logos and graphic elements that are familiar from Microsoft or university services with the purpose of convincing the user of the message’s authenticity.
Messages that end up directly in your junk folder have already been successfully recognized as phishing, and you need not be worried about them or report them.