The University is aware of and investigating individuals attempting to defraud suppliers by presenting themselves as associates from the University’s Procurement Services Department and soliciting quotes for various goods. These requests typically include applications for purchases to be made on credit and delivered to alternate locations.
The requests originate from a variety of internet domains, including princetonuni-edu.com and princeton-edu.net, that are intended to confuse the recipient into thinking it is coming from Princeton University. The supporting documentation may include emails appearing to have been authored by actual University staff and professionally designed purchase orders that further give the perception of a legitimate request.
These requests are not affiliated with the University. We continue to report these incidents to the appropriate authorities and request that domain registrars disable the deceptive domains as we become aware of them.
The FBI has posted an alert providing details on how this fraud is perpetuated and has also produced a privacy notification, which you should review. If you receive emails from an unusual domain or have suspicions about the validity of a University request or purchase order, we recommend taking the following actions:
- Do not ship any product for orders you are uncertain have originated from the University and are backed by a valid purchase order.
- If you have questions about the validity of a request for quote or purchase order you have received, please contact Princeton’s Financial Service Center at 609-258-3080 or by email.
- If you have received a fraudulent request, notify your local authorities.
- Consider filing a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).