SPOTTING SCAM EMAILS
Just some reminders on avoiding scams that arrive via email. Let’s use this example:
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From: Joe Smith [mailto:MasterblasterX@comcast.ru]
Sent: Monday, April 9, 2018 1:27 PM
To: All Managers
Subject: RE: Client Rewards
I need iTunes gift cards to send out to some client, can you confirm if we can get some today? Will want you to make arrangements to get the gift cards so i can advise certain product and domination to procure.
See this link client survey
Thank You.
Joe
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FIRST – Just because the FROM line has a name you recognize – doesn’t mean it’s THEM. It’s SUPER EASY to make emails look like they come from friends, family, or co-workers.
SECOND – address or embedded link seems fishy – note that the actual email address looks wrong, and the “client survey” link, if you hold your mouse over it, is NOT a survey web site.
THIRD – bad grammar, misspellings – scammers from overseas often mangle the English language – but if we don’t take time to READ what is sent, we can miss obvious clues that this isn’t right. (The brain tends to “fill in the blanks” for us, when we scan writing quickly.)
FOURTH – logic – does the request seem reasonable? Banks, Credit Card companies, The IRS, Nigerian Princes will NOT be using email to get your account number, ask for money, etc. Chances are you are NOT a million dollar winner. Super Models are not writing you to arrange a date. Be cautious before clicking a link, or answering an email.
LAST – if in doubt, FORWARD the email to your Tech Support person…and if you don’t have one, send it to support@thefocisgroup.com. Happy to look it over for you!
YOU are the front line, in defense of cybercrimes, identity theft, malware and virus attacks. Let us know if we can answer questions about how to handle email and web sites safely.
The FocIS Group