Access Keys:
16/02/2017
We are aware that some researchers, predominantly outside of the UK, have received emails claiming to the be from ‘The Research Council, United Kingdom’ regarding successful research grants. The email asks for information to be provided to allow the grant to be paid. This is a phishing email and is not from Research Councils UK or any of the individual UK Research Councils.
Phishing is the attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details. The aim of these types of email is always to trick you into thinking you are giving up personal information or making payments with someone you can trust, such as your bank or brand name and in this case a funding council. The fraudsters will use your details to steal your identity, or simply take the money you’ve paid and break all contact.
Research Councils UK would not contact successful grant applicants to request payment details via email. All successful applicants will have already been registered and authenticated through our Joint electronic System (Je-S) as part of our eligibility and registration process. All communication with applicants is through Je-S for security purposes.
If you have received this email please do not reply and follow your organisation or email provider's policy on phishing emails.
- ends -
Contact:
RCUK Communications Team
Tel: 01793 444593 or email: communications@rcuk.ac.uk
For further information about phishing in general, please got to the National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/fraud-az-phishing