Email Scams: What To Look Out For

September 1, 2016 | Email Marketing Google Adwords Other Uncategorized

Blog Post By Longevity Graphics

Email Scams

Email Scams: What To Look Out For

At Longevity Graphics, we regularly receive emails and messages from less than reputable sources. As convincing as these emails appear, there are some clear, tell-tale signs that the communication is a scam. In this blog post, we will discuss some common email scams that we have received and how you can avoid falling victim to them.

In order for these scammers to gather personal information quickly, they create a sense of urgency. In their message, they will say:

  • Your account is being threatened
  • You need to provide them with access
  • They will provide you with a link to a legitimate looking website
  • The will ask you to input your login credentials

After they have your personal information, they can then use it as they please.

How can you spot these scam emails?

Here are some things to look out for when you receive an email or message from an unknown source.

  • Spelling errors
  • Poor grammar
  • Lack of capitalization
  • Mention of another country
  • Offers that are too good to be true

Sales Email Scams

A common scam that we have received are emails from internet marketing companies saying that we have inquired about their services. They structure the email in such a way that it appears as through we have contacted them and requested information about their services.

They will include re: in the subject line of the email. This makes the email appear as though it is a reply. When in fact, it is not.

In the body of the email, they will say:

  • Thank you for reaching out to us…
  • Thank you for inquiring about our services…
  • As requested, here is more information about…
  • We can provide your company with…

The email will contain links to “further information”.  Ultimately, they will make claims about their product or service that are just too good to be true.

Phishing Email Scams

Phishing scams are emails or messages from someone pretending to be from a reputable source with the goal to gain access to your personal information. The cyber criminal will attempt to trick you into giving them access to your account.

The most common information they are looking for are your passwords for:

  • Bank Accounts
  • Social Media Platforms
  • Work Accounts
  • Cloud Storage
  • Personal Information

In order to appear more convincing, these messages appear to be from a reputable source such as your bank or other financial institution.

Have you ever received an email or call claiming to be from Google Adwords? Google has made it very clear that they will “never send you an unsolicited message asking you to provide your password or other sensitive information by email or through a link.”

Greeting Card Email Scams

As the name suggests, a greeting card scam is an email you receive containing a link to an e-card. The email itself appears to be from a friend, but if you open the email and click on the link, malicious software will begin to download and install onto your computer.

Since the beginning of the twenty first century, technology continues to connect us to each other as never has before. Society has experienced many positive advancements from technology; however, it has also opened our lives to the threat of cyber criminals. By using your best judgement and following the tips above, you will be better equipped to navigate through the digital era.

Longevity Graphics is a leading web marketing agency that helps business owners grow their business. Since 2001, we have been been building successful web site designs and implementing internet marketing strategies, by providing across-the-board internet services to businesses looking to take advantage of their online marketing potential.