What does a phishing email message look like?
Spelling and bad grammar. Cybercriminals are not known for their grammar and spelling. Professional companies or organizations usually have a staff of copy editors that will not allow a mass email like this to go out to its users. If you notice mistakes in an email, it might be a scam.
Beware of links in email. If you see a link in a suspicious email message, don’t click on it. Rest your mouse (but don’t click) on the link to see if the address matches the link that was typed in the message. Links might also lead you to .exe files. These kinds of file are known to spread malicious software.
Threats. Have you ever received a threat that your account would be closed if you didn’t respond to an email message? Cybercriminals often use threats that your security has been compromised.
Spoofing popular websites or companies. Scam artists use graphics in email that appear to be connected to legitimate websites but actually take you to phony scam sites or legitimate-looking pop-up windows. Cybercriminals also use web addresses that resemble the names of well-known companies but are slightly altered.
Beware of phishing phone calls
Cybercriminals might call you on the phone and offer to help solve your computer problems or sell you a software license. No major computer companies such as Microsoft make unsolicited phone calls (also known as cold calls) to charge you for computer security or software fixes.
Once they’ve gained your trust, cybercriminals might ask for your user name and password or ask you to go to a website to install software that will let them access your computer to fix it. Once you do this, your computer and your personal information is vulnerable.
Treat all unsolicited phone calls with skepticism. Do not provide any personal information.
Report phishing scams
If you receive a fake phone call, take down the caller’s information and report it to your local authorities.
- In the United States, use the FTC Complaint Assistant form.
Article provided by: Microsoft.com
Dilbert comic strip provided by: Dilbert.com
