About Email Scam Detection
A scammer’s goal is to get you to click a link or open an attachment in order to infect your computer with malware. The malicious attachment could be a simple image or it may be hidden within rich content files like PDFs. Once the file is downloaded, hackers can use it to spy on your activity online, steal sensitive information including account logins and passwords, or even take control of your device (i.e. ransomware).
To make an Email Scam Detection seem more legitimate, criminals often create an urgent or time-limited situation – like telling you that your account will be locked unless you respond immediately. They also use fear and hope tactics to elicit emotions that could make you act without thinking.
Some tell-tale signs of an email being a scam include:
Email Scam Detection: Tools to Protect Your Inbox
A reputable company will always send emails that are addressed to you by name and will have an official looking logo. Many types of phishing attacks cast a wide net, so you can expect to see generic greetings such as “Dear Customer” or “Dear Account Holder”.
An unusual attachment is included.
Most of the time, when you receive an attachment it will be a Word, Excel spreadsheet, PowerPoint presentation, or Adobe Acrobat PDF file. But attackers can hide malicious attachments in any type of file and use icons and filename extensions that are easily confused with harmless ones. Always double check the URL by hovering your mouse over a hyperlink in an email before clicking it.
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