Beware of spam/phishing emails that promise to help you, as they may have malicious intentions.
Protect Yourself from Scammers with These Tips
To protect yourself from phishing schemes, it's crucial to stay vigilant and recognize the warning signs.- If the email address has a string of random numbers or letters or doesn't match the company's name it says it works for then it is most likely spam
- Sometimes their name will be spelled twice or repeated indicating it's not a human but a bot
- If the subject line states that your page or account violates policy and prompts you to take urgent action through a link.
- Look for official signatures with contact information when communicating with companies to ensure their affiliation
- Be cautious if someone requests payment through a link, especially if they are soliciting their services
- Check the legitimacy of links by hovering over them with your cursor to see where they are leading you
- Pay attention to the punctuation and grammar in emails or messages
- Be wary of any requests for personal information such as credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, driver's license/ID, or bank account numbers
- Never share your passwords or any other sensitive security information with anyone, especially if they are requesting it over email or through a link
If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is
Always take the time to do your research before making any commitment. Verify the company's credentials, read customer reviews, and look for any other red flags. If anything seems suspicious or out of the ordinary, evaluate your options carefully before making a decision. Being vigilant and aware can help protect you from falling victim to scams.
Trust your gut feeling when it comes to online security. If something feels off or doesn't seem quite right, don't proceed. Knowing what to look out for is an important first step in staying secure online. Additionally, be sure to use strong passwords that are difficult to guess or crack—passwords made up of a combination of words, numbers, and symbols work best. Regularly changing your passwords is a good practice too.
If you are unsure whether or not the email in question is legitimate, please contact your Marketing Services Coordinator at (713) 322-9742 before clicking on any suspicious links or taking any actions that require you to submit personal information.
Spotting Phishing Emails: Be Alert!
Phishing and spam emails are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting businesses with what seem like legitimate inquiries. These emails often mimic real customer requests but may hide malicious intent.
For example, you might receive an email like this:
“Hello quote team, My name is Gary, I want some fence panels sandblasted and painted for a project that's about 3 hours drive from your shop. Please see attached picture of the frames. Size - 88" x 56", Qty - 80 pcs, Material 2 x 2 x 14 ga Steel.”
Or another that tries to solicit your business:
“Hello. I built a complementary website optimized to bring in customers for the team at [yourdomain.com]. Looking for feedback – is there an email I can send it to so you can review it? I’ve specialized in your industry for over 10 years. If you're happy with your existing provider that's ok – we offer to match and beat any provider! I'd also like to share our unique multi-site approach that no one else is doing. Thanks and I look forward to your reply.”
Even a message like this:
“Hi, I have just analyzed [yourdomain.com] for the ranking keywords and saw that your website could use an upgrade. We will improve your ranks organically and safely, using only state-of-the-art AI and whitehat methods, while providing monthly reports and outstanding support. More info: [link]”
Common Red Flags:
- Unsolicited services or offers that promise immediate improvements.
- Vague or generic details with no real specifics about your business.
- Personal contact details like "Mike Kennedy" but with mismatched email addresses (e.g., peterirrife@gmail.com).
- Links to external sites that could lead to phishing or malware.
If you are unsure whether or not the email in question is legitimate, please contact a Marketing Specialist at (713) 322-9742 before clicking on any suspicious links or taking any actions that require you to submit personal information.
Always stay alert and take precautions when communicating with unfamiliar individuals online. Be cautious of any requests for money, personal information, or suspicious-looking links. Pay attention to the grammar and punctuation in messages, and verify the names of individuals who contact you. Never disclose sensitive information that could put you or your business at risk. If you receive any suspicious emails or messages, report them to the company or platform they came from.