We use the internet to process our transactions, which is very fast. However, this process is vulnerable to attacks by scammers. They usually send out phishing emails hoping to get an easy score. Certain strategies can help prevent this attack.
Tips that Help in Detecting and Avoiding Phishing Emails
1 – Check the Subject Line
Oftentimes, the email addresses on phishing emails will be identical to the real ones. While searching for the transaction ID or receipt number, as instructed in the email, you may end up visiting a false site.
Always check the subject line. If it doesn’t match the real deal, delete it.
In this case, the subject line says “Lease Agreement” but refers to the payment receipt, which is a lien document. It is likely to be an attempt to steal your personal information.
2 – Check the Email Address
At the top of the email, you will often see the address of the sender. Check to see if it matches the one on your account.
In this case, the address on the receipt is different from the one above.
3 – Check the Domain
The domain of the email may look the same but the website can be fake.
You can almost always find the email address of the sender on a phishing email. A real email will have a bit.ly link which will lead you to the real site.
Check the site to see if it is real. If it is, then you will be able to see the real email address of the sender.
4 – Check the Url
If you do go to the site, check the URL to make sure that it is the same as the one on the email. In this case, the URL is different from the one above.
5 – Check If the Email Asks You to Provide Any Sensitive Information
In most cases, phishing emails will ask you to verify your account or provide sensitive information. Don’t fall for this; this is the scammer’s way of getting the information they need to steal your identity.
For example, this email asks you to “verify” your account by providing your driver’s license number. In the email, they claim that they need this information to validate your identity, but this is a ruse. They will not use this information to check anything; they have it so that they can steal your identity. Don’t fall for this scam. Delete the email and report it.
6 – Check the Email for Grammar Errors
Most phishing email scams are poorly written. You should be able to easily spot spelling and grammar errors. The above email is poorly written and has grammar errors, so it is likely to be a scam.
Conclusion
Your best defense against phishing email scams is to be aware of them. If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of an email, delete it. Don’t respond to it, and don’t open any attachments. Most scammers will be targeting your financial information, so if they get it, they can go on a shopping spree with your hard-earned money. Bear in mind that any communication asking you to provide sensitive information should immediately be deleted and reported. If you are ever unsure whether you are dealing with a legitimate company, you can research it online.
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