How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Emails

Tags Phishing spam

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a type of cyberattack where attackers pretend to be someone you trust, like a bank, company, or colleague, to steal your personal information.

How to Recognize Phishing Emails

  1. Check the Sender's Email Address:

    • Look carefully at the sender’s email address. Phishing emails often come from addresses that look similar to, but are not exactly the same as, legitimate email addresses.
    • Example: Instead of info@yourbank.com, a phishing email might come from info@yourb4nk.com.

  2. Look for Generic Greetings:

    • Phishing emails often use generic greetings like "Dear Customer" instead of your name.
    • Legitimate organizations usually address you by your name.

  3. Watch for Urgent or Threatening Language:

    • Phishing emails often create a sense of urgency or fear to prompt quick action, such as “Your account will be locked” or “Immediate action required”.

  4. Check for Grammar and Spelling Mistakes:

    • Many phishing emails contain obvious grammar and spelling mistakes. Professional organizations usually avoid such errors.

  5. Verify Links Before Clicking:

    • Hover over any links in the email (without clicking) to see the actual URL.
    • If the URL looks suspicious or doesn’t match the supposed sender, do not click it.
    • Example: A link that claims to be for your bank might actually lead to a suspicious website.

  6. Be Wary of Attachments:

    • Do not open attachments from unknown or unexpected sources. Phishing emails often include malicious attachments designed to infect your computer with malware.

  7. Suspicious Requests for Personal Information:

    • Legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive information (like passwords or credit card numbers) via email.
    • If you receive such a request, contact the company directly using a known, legitimate phone number or website.

What to Do If You Suspect a Phishing Email

  1. Do Not Click Links or Open Attachments:

    • Avoid clicking any links or opening any attachments in the suspicious email.

  2. Report the Email:

    • Report the email by calling us at 903-334-6603 or submitting a ticket with TeamDynamix.

  3. Delete the Email:

    • After reporting, delete the email from your inbox and your trash folder.

  4. Monitor Your Accounts:

    • Keep an eye on your bank and online accounts for any unauthorized activity.
    • If you suspect your information has been compromised, contact your bank or the relevant organization immediately.

By following these steps and staying vigilant, you can protect yourself from phishing attacks and keep your personal information secure.

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