What To Do Of Suspicious Emails?

Here we explain, step by step, what to do at the right time even if you have already responded or clicked.

You have received a suspicious email. They address you by name, but the text, which calls for immediate action, is strange.

This can happen several times a week. Do you know what to do and what not to do with emails like this? Do you know what advice to give your parents, children and employees when they open these emails?

How To Detect A Suspicious Email?

Some emails scams can be very convincing thanks to the use of brand logos and a formal language. Remember to stop whenever an email prompts you to take immediate action that could reveal private information. Look for these warning signs in the mail to know if it is a scam:

● The sender's name is vague and their email address is long or complicated.

● The subject of the email is alarmist or seeks to attract attention.

● The mail prompts some kind of immediate action.

● A large discount is offered as an incentive.

● Pretexts are used in the mail to get your data personal information, including website login information.

● You are prompted to click a hyperlink in the email without clarifying.

Once you have identified the email as a scam:

● Do not click on any attachment, as harmful malware may be installed.

● Do not click on any links, especially if the message prompts you to open a page and provide your details. Use an Antivirus software that will keep you safe from suspicious emails by notifying you.

● Do not reply to suspicious email or use the phone number or

other contact information on it.

● Take a good look at the sender's email address and the web addresses in the message to see if they differ from the official name of the company or sender.

● If you are using your work email account, contact the

IT team. They may want the mail forwarded to them, but ask first.

● If you are using personal mail and you receive a message stating that a company needs to contact you urgently, you can call or contact yourself looking for the corresponding information on the Internet or on an old invoice. Do not use the contact details provided in the suspicious email.

● Some personal email platforms allow you to report phishing. In Gmail there is a drop-down menu next to the reply button that has this option.

● In the US, phishing emails can also be forwarded to the

Federal Trade Commission (CFC) spam@uce.gov or reportphishing@apwg.org addresses.

● If you've already responded to suspicious email, clicked on an attachment or link, or provided personal information, notify your company's IT team (if you're at work) or go to identitytheft.gov. Here you will find the specific actions that you must take based on the information you have provided.

● Use two-factor authentication in your email program. You should also change your email password and other related passwords.