Phishing is a scamming method to lure people into giving up their personal information such as Social Security Number, Credit Card, Health Insurance info, etc. Even unsuspecting website owners fall victim to Phishing scams. Today this email came across my desk with the appearance of a domain expiring – but it’s really a ploy to get your credit card info.
Here are 3 tell-tale signs of a Phishing Scam from this email to look for:
1. Notice the email sender
Look for the message to originate from your hosting provider. In my years of providing newsletters, I know that you can use ANY email address to originate a mailing. But ask yourself, would “[email protected]” be trustworthy, or have anything to do with my domain? The answer is No.
2. This is your Final Notice!
The message promotes urgency to get you to click without thinking.
I’ll admit, I’ve done this myself. Going through the days emails and you see an “urgent” message. You’re busy and don’t have time to mess with it. Thinking you just need to “renew” you find the active link in the message, click it, enter your credit card info. And, BAM! your credit card is compromised. (…and possibly more, the depth of the criminal mind is deep)
3. Act Now!
Scammers hope by adding a fast-approaching date and time you’ll be triggered to click the link provided in the message.
Phishing scams and Fraud are of global concern in 2020. You’re much smarter to ask to protect your business or yourself. If you find an email that seems “off” – check with someone first before you click. And if they say, “I don’t know”, ask someone else.