Archive for category: Blog

How to tell the difference between real and spam emails

Today, spammers are more sophisticated than ever before. They are constantly finding new ways to trick people and cause damage. Many users are able to spot spam from a mile off, but many are not. Here are five things to check, when sorting through your emails to avoid falling for a scam and becoming another victim.

Check the junk / spam folder

Most email programmes are pretty savvy these days, and have built in filters which will sort the spam from the legitimate emails. The majority of emails you actually want to receive will therefore end up in your inbox, and the dodgy ones in your spam or junk folder. Deal with all emails on a case-by-case basis to decide whether or not they are safe.

Check the sender address

Emails from authentic companies will be sent through their website’s server (for example: help@itv.com). A string of numbers or nonsensical letters before or after the @ symbol should serve as a warning that the email is probably not real.

Check how it greets you

Genuine emails will address you using your real name (or username you signed up with). Fake, spammy emails will usually call you a “valued customer” or member, or something along these lines – file those straight into the bin.

Check what it’s asking for

Most companies will not ask for your personal information by email – they already have it, from when you signed up to receive those emails. You should never send your personal information over email, so ignore any emails which ask for it.

Check the content

Most spam emails will be riddled with spelling mistakes and grammatical errors, and the copy won’t really make proper sense. A really dodgy email will usually include strange links and messages telling you to do something urgently, or face a consequence. These are spam emails, so refrain from acting on them.

If you have any concerns about email safety, please contact us today, we are here to help you.

How to avoid getting scammed!

Scams are ten a penny at the moment. Trouble is, they’re also getting more sophisticated and more dangerous. Sadly, all too many people still find themselves falling victim to them. This handy guide will help you avoid getting scammed. Read it and share with your friends and family. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Email scams

Phishing email scams are quite simply trying to fish for your personal information such as bank details. They typically mimick legitimate businesses like PayPal or Ebay to try and make you believe they are from genuine sources.

Some of these emails are easy to spot thanks to poor English sentence structures and / or spelling mistakes. It really pays to be vigilant as many scam emails look real at first sight due to the seemingly genuine logo or branding. Always be wary and double check everything over in the first instance.

Signs of scam emails typically include:

• Unrecognisable sender
• Lack of personalisation
• A request for personal or financial information
• Threatening language and frightening consequenses
• Strange links or attachments

If emails of these nature find their way into your inbox. Don’t interact with them just delete immediately. You’re better off safe than sorry.

Malware scams

You may stumble across popups and adverts offering you total system security or free virus scans. This could be malware, and clicking on the advert will most likely ask you to part with your hard earned cash in return for bug fixes. This will only infect your PC!

Phone scams

Calls and texts from unknown numbers should always ring alarm bells. Yes some are genuine but read on to find out how things do sometimes go wrong so you can avoid being the next victim. Chances are, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is!

If you aren’t sure that a call is genuine, then you’re best off asking for the person’s name, hanging up the phone and calling the company back on their official company telephone number. Many techy companies such as antivirus software providers etc will never ever call you first, so remain alert at all times.

Do not ever give your sensitive data to unknown callers. Your bank details etc should be kept private and to yourself at all times. If you are unsure as to why a company would want your personal details over the phone then ask for them  to send you written information or alternative means  of payment. If they can’t do that, then it’s probably a scam (even those charities that say your money is going to save all little puppies).

Also, avoid interacting with pre recorded calls and messages. Just hang up. As soon as you start pressing numbers and buttons, you open yourself up to a bunch more scams. Just hang up!

Remember to remain suspicious of unknown callers and emailers at all times. It’s just not worth it. If something is truly legitimate, they will contact you via other means. If you’re really unsure, do the legwork and contact them yourself.