UCSC warns of phishing scam, more thefts and burglaries

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) UC Santa Cruz police are warning people about a scam involving text messages or emails that appear to be coming from a professor or colleague.

Police said the person sending the email asks the recipient to buy a gift card for them as a favor and says they will reimburse the recipient. The police department said it does not believe anyone who has received a scam email has made a purchase, but said it has received multiple reports of the scam.

To see if a request is real, police suggest contacting the person the sender claims to be and speaking to them directly before doing anything.

Police said they have also seen more thefts and burglaries on campus recently. Investigators said items have been stolen from vehicles, residents halls and other buildings. They suggest keeping belongings secure and not leaving valuables in sight.

To report a crime in progress, police suggest calling 911 or using one of the "blue light" emergency or elevator phones. Reports can be made by calling police at 831-459-2231, ext. 1.