Many of us have received similar emails as shown in the following
screenshot. They appear as if coming from a genuine source, but in fact
if we analyze them a little carefully, they are not. Such emails are
called “phishing” because it depends on the users whether they will
follow the procedure that the scammer is requesting or if they (user)
will delete that email and be safe.
The links in the email may install malware on the user’s device or
direct them to a malicious website set up to trick them into divulging
personal and financial information, such as passwords, account IDs or
credit card details. These techniques are too much in use with
cybercriminals, as it is far easier to trick someone into clicking a
malicious link in the email than trying to break through a computer’s
defenses. Although some phishing emails are poorly written and clearly
fake.
How to Detect a Phishing Email?
There are several ways to detect a Phishing Email, some of these methods are discussed here for better understanding.
Spelling and Bad Grammar
Cyber criminals generally make grammar and spelling mistakes because
they use dictionary too often to translate in a specific language. If
you notice mistakes in an email, it might be a scam.
Links in Email
Links in the email are always with hidden URLs, you don't click on
it. Rest your mouse (but don't click) on the link to see if the address
matches the link that was typed in the message. In the following example
the link reveals the real web address, as shown in the box with the
yellow background. The string of cryptic numbers looks nothing like the
company's web address.
Links also may redirect you to .exe, or zipped files. These are known to spread malicious software.
Threats or They are too Good to be True
Cybercriminals often use threats that your security has been
compromised. The above screenshot shows it very well. In our case the
subject talking about Suspension.
Spoofing Popular Websites or Companies
Scam artists use graphics in email that appear to be connected to
legitimate websites, but actually they take you to phony scam sites or
legitimate-looking pop-up windows. In our case, there is this email of
Amazon which is not a genuine one.
Salutation
Generally, if it is genuine you will have a personalized email like
Dear Mr. John, but the cybercriminals, they don’t know your name except
the email address, so they will use just a part of your email in the
salutation or a general salutation.
Got Phished by Mistake?
What to do in case you think that by mistake, you got phished? In such a case, you can take the following measures −
- Change the passwords immediately of the account that you think has been hacked.
- Check if any money has been withdrawn or any payment done through
your account. You can contact your financial institution directly for
this.
- Contact the authority on whose behalf you got that email. You should also report to your account administrator.
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