While phishing scams are on the rise over the holiday period, the FBI has reminded Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail, and other services users to be more alert. More phishing schemes are becoming common as criminals use the festive season rush as an opportunity to target more people. Here is how the FBI has warned its citizens against phishing attacks:.
It has generally entailed scamming emails that request the stealing of personal information or even money. Scammers try to deceive a victim with deals they will promise; discounted products, gift cards, or exclusive offers, amongst others. These appear quite legitimate, mimicking familiar brands with realistic logos and designs. With AI tools, it is now more possible for cybercriminals to generate messages that are shiny and polished yet professional-looking, targeting the most vigilant users in their deception.
Three Things to Check in Every Email
To counter these scams, the FBI points out three important checks:
1. Check the Sender’s Email Address: Look closely at the sender’s email address. Scammers often use addresses that mimic real ones but with minor changes, like replacing a letter or adding extra characters.
2. Inspect Links Before Clicking: Hover over any link in the email to see where it leads. If the URL looks suspicious or doesn’t match the claimed source, avoid clicking it.
3. Look for Errors: Scammers sometimes
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