Providing current information about ISPs, Cellular, Wi-Fi and Satellite of special interest to RVers and the RVing lifestyle.
RV Internet - Providing current information about ISPs, Cellular, Wi-Fi and Satellite of special interest to RVers and the RVing lifestyle.
 

10 ways to recognize fake (spoof) emails

1. Generic greetings. Many spoof emails begin with a general greeting, such as: "Dear Valued Customer" If you do not see your first and last name, be suspicious and do not click on any links or button.

2. Fake sender's address. A spoof email may include a forged email address in the "From" field. This field is easily altered and may look like it’s from a real company or friend and should not be relied on to determine if an email is legitimate.

7. Misspellings and bad grammar. Spoof emails often contain misspellings, incorrect grammar, missing words, and gaps in logic. Mistakes also help fraudsters avoid spam filters.

3. A false sense of urgency. Many spoof emails try to deceive you with the threat that your account is in jeopardy if you don't update it ASAP. They may also state that an unauthorized transaction has recently occurred on your account, or claim the company is updating its accounts and needs information fast.

4. Emails that appear to be websites. Some emails will look like a website in order to get you to enter personal information. A legitimate company will never asks for personal information in an email.

5. Fake links. Always check where a link is going before you click. Move your mouse over it and look at the URL in your browser or email status bar. A fraudulent link is dangerous. If you click on one, it could:
* Direct you to a spoof website that tries to collect your personal data.
* Install spyware on your system. Spyware is an application that can enable a hacker to monitor your actions and steal any passwords or credit card numbers you type online.
* Cause you to download a virus that could disable your computer.

6. Deceptive URLs.
* Legitimate companies use a domain name (e.g. http://www.RealCompany.com). If you see an IP address (e.g. 193.168.1.251) you can bet it’s a spoof link.
* If you see an @ sign in the middle of a URL, there's a good chance this is a spoof.
* Even if a URL contains the word "RealCompany," it may not be a RealCompany site. Examples of deceptive URLs include: www.RealCompanysecure.com, www.RealCompanies.com, www.secure-RealCompany.com, and www.RealCompanynet.com.

It’s always best if you never log in to a website from a link in an email. Instead, open a new web browser and type in the known URL or go there from a link in your favorites menu.

8. Unsafe web sites. The term "https" should always precede any website address where you enter personal information. The "s" stands for secure. If you don't see "https," you're not in a secure web session, and you should not enter data.

9. Pop-up boxes. A legitimate company will never use a pop-up box in an email as pop-ups are not secure.

10. Attachments. Like fake links, attachments are frequently used in spoof emails and are dangerous. Never click on an attachment unless you know the person who sent it and you know in advance that it is being sent and you know know what the attachment is. It could cause you to download spyware or a virus. RealCompany will never email you an attachment or a software update to install on your computer.

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