Investigating Email Fraud
Most of our day-to-day communication is now often done electronically. We utilize text messages, social media, and email to get our messages across. Due to this, we have to be vigilant when it comes to hackers, spammers, and malware on our computers and phones. When accessing your personal or work email, it’s good to be on the lookout for different types of fraud:
Spoofing
A spoof email comes from a scammer that impersonates a familiar company or sender on your email list. The email typically includes malicious links or attachments aimed to install malware or viruses on your device. These emails often included mis-spellings or incorrect grammar, which is a clue that the source is not trusted. Utilize your mouse to hover over the name to confirm it is a legitimate email address. You can do the same with a link to see if it is a trusted webpage.
Phishing
Another common type of email fraud is phishing. This occurs when scammers use fraudulent emails to try and get your personal information such as account numbers or passwords. Like spoofing, they may use a familiar logo to impersonate your bank or spoof a name on your contact list. A phishing email has a sense of urgency, saying they need information quickly. In reality, they are acting on your fear of a problem to access money or steal your identification.
Targeting
Sometimes scammers target a specific person or group. Also known as “spear phishing,” these emails are hoping to steal sensitive information directly from an individual.
Always be cautious when you open your email. Do not click on any links or open attachments until you confirm it is from a trusted sender. Avoid responding to the suspicious party as well. It is better to ignore or delete. Some email programs allow you to report spam or send straight to junk mail. Another way to combat email fraud is to pick up the phone. If you suspect the email is coming from a friend or family member, simply call to confirm.
