Unfortunately malicious emails are becoming more and more common. Scammers will often pose as people their targets may know by using email addresses that appear similar.
Please see below for some tips on how to recognise and avoid scam emails:
- Does the name on the email match the email address – the email may say it’s from ceo@herefords, but it may be sent from 123@gmail.com
- Are you expecting the e-mail – If you have been sent an invoice, does the company sound familiar, are you expecting to be billed? If you are unsure, you can always google the company, and call them from the number on the website and talk to someone in person. Do not trust the phone number in the email to be real if you suspect the email of being fake.
- Does the email’s signature and layout look normal – Emailing from a mobile or other device may cause issues with email layout, companies may change their signature, but if a company you email regularly has a different email layout and signature, it could be a fake.
- If you hover your mouse over a link in an email, does the link that appears match what it should be going to – If there is a link to a cattle information website, but you hover your mouse over it and its trying to send you to paypal, then its trying to mis-direct you.
- If there is minimal information, and a suspicious attachment, they may be trying to force your attachment – if someone sends you a file saying “invoice attached” with no additional information, they could be trying to make you open the file without thinking about it.
Some malicious emails are trying to make you respond, so they know the email is in use. Some try to make you open a file which may be infections. Some make you sign into a fake website so they can steal passwords. Some try to make you pay a bill to the wrong details.
If you receive an email which seems suspicious claiming to be sent from a Herefords Australia staff or board member, please don’t hesitate to contact the office on (02) 6772 1399.
