Woodlands-area families and job-seekers should watch for phishing emails impersonating Conroe ISD recruiters, the district warned in a security alert posted Thursday, Sept. 24.

Scammers have been sending fraudulent job postings and emails that mimic official district hiring communications, according to the alert. The fake messages include malicious links disguised as interview scheduling tools or requests for sensitive personal data.

Conroe ISD serves about 73,000 students across 67 schools, including The Woodlands High School and College Park High School. Families at those campuses and others across the district could encounter the scam messages while searching for school-related employment or forwarding job listings to friends and neighbors.

The district specified what legitimate hiring communications look like. Conroe ISD said it will never send unsolicited texts or emails containing links to download software, purchase equipment or log into outside portals using personal credentials.

The simplest check: verify the sender's address.

Any genuine message from the district will come from an official @conroeisd.net email address. Anyone who receives a suspicious message should avoid clicking any links and report it to [email protected].

The Texas Attorney General's Office lists employment scams among the most common fraud schemes in the state. The office identifies five warning signs: the contact was unsolicited, the offer dangles money or a prize, the sender requests personal information, upfront payment is required, or payment by wire transfer or gift card is demanded.

Jobs that require upfront payment for training or equipment are a particular red flag, the AG's office warns, especially when applicants have no independent information about the employer.

Texans who believe they have been targeted can file a complaint through the Attorney General's consumer protection division.

The CISD alert did not say how many people have been targeted, whether any financial losses have occurred or whether law enforcement is investigating.