A Reminder on How to Avoid Rogue Emails
You have probably seen our posts about various phishing schemes that can wipe out your computer – and eventually your bank account. Such schemes exist in your email, and nowadays, social media profiles. The messages you receive look authentic enough, but carry varying consequences.
Our monthly newsletter also talks about the various types of fake emails, and the differences between spam, bogus images, and “spoofing” vs. “phishing”. Just a quick refresher, spoofing usually involves deliberately misleading the recipient into believing the message comes from a legitimate source. Generally, it is done with the intent of gathering information to send more spam to the recipient, not necessarily anything malicious.
With phishing, the goal is to acquire confidential or sensitive information such as bank account or social security numbers. A phishing scheme may also result in your computer picking up a virus or malware, which could cost hundreds to remove.
Both spoofing and phishing attempts could show up in your email or on your Facebook “wall”. The one thing to remember is to avoid clicking the link, unless you are 100% sure it is legitimate. As we have said before, that institutions like banks or schools would never send the commonly bogus emails that ask for personal information.
You can check out the full blog, including an explanation of the different types of harmful emails on our site. Also, if you have not already done so, feel free to subscribe to our monthly newsletter. To put your name on the list or contribute to future issues, shoot us an email to [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!