Decoded: How to spot phishing emails and avoid being scammed

The technique known as “phishing” is used by internet crooks to try to steal the web users’ identity or personal data (passwords, bank details, social security number, etc.), via fraudulent emails with links to fake or compromised websites. Here are a few things to keep in mind when opening emails to avoid falling victim to phishing scams.

The scammers’ aim is to fraudulently collect data by contacting users, pretending that there’s some kind of problem or that one of their bank or other accounts is about to expire. This often involves emails inviting web users to fill out a form, tricking them into handing over confidential information to crooks.

The most common scams involve emails that use the graphics and logos of well-known, legitimate websites or businesses, containing a link that sends users to a fake website, reproduced convincingly and almost identically.

Security specialists such as Ivanti frequently warn both home and business users about the dangers of phishing. Users should always be vigilant when opening suspicious emails.

For example, bear in mind that legal and official information is always sent by postal mail, never by email, especially in the case of bank documents. Plus, legitimate sources never ask their subscribers or customers to …read more