Tip 1 - Don’t trust the display name
- A favorite phishing tactic among cybercriminals is to spoof the display name of an email. Spoofing of the brand in the display name can be common. Here’s how it works: If a fraudster wanted to spoof the hypothetical brand “My Bank,” the email may look something like:
- This fraudulent email, once delivered, appears legitimate because most user inboxes only present the display name. Don’t trust the display Name. If looks suspicious, don’t open the email.
Tip 2 - Look but don’t click
- Hover your mouse over any links embedded in the body of the email. If the link address looks weird, don’t click on it. The text may not match. If you want to test the link, open a new window and type in website address directly rather than clicking on the link from unsolicited emails
Tip 3 - Check for spelling mistakes
- Brands are pretty serious about email. Legitimate emails don't have major spelling mistakes or poor grammar. Read emails carefully and report suspicious ones to IT.
Tip 4 - Analyze the salutation
- Is the email addressed to a vague “Valued Customer?” If so, watch out—legitimate businesses will often use a personalized greeting with your first and last name.
Tip 5 - Don’t give up personal information
- Legitimate companies will never ask for personal credentials via email. Don’t provide.
Tip 6 - Beware of urgent or threatening language in the subject line
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Invoking a sense of urgency or fear is a common phishing tactic. Beware of subject lines that claim your “account has been suspended” or your account had an “unauthorized login attempt.”
Tip 7 - Review the signature
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Lack of details about the signer or how you can contact a company strongly suggests SPAM. Legitimate businesses always provide contact details.
Tip 8 - Don’t click on attachments
- Including malicious attachments that contain viruses and malware is a common phishing tactic. Malware can damage files on your computer, steal your passwords or spy on you without your knowledge. Don’t open any email attachments you weren’t expecting.
SUMMARY - Don’t believe everything you see
- Phishers are extremely good at what they do. Just because an email has convincing brand logos, language, and a seemingly valid email address, does not mean that it’s legitimate. Be skeptical when it comes to your email messages—if it looks even remotely suspicious, don’t open it.
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