November 2022
Fraud Alert

How to Spot a Phishing Email or Text

By Corrina Olson

The likelihood you’ll receive a fake message is growing dramatically. Fake emails are the #1 most common cybercrime. Not only do you have to look out for fake messages via emails, but now you must keep an eye out for fake text messages too. So, how can you spot a fake message? What should you look out for when you receive a message from an unknown sender?

Generic Greetings
Phishing messages often begin with impersonal greetings, for example “Dear user” or “Hello, member”. Most messages from your bank or other financial institutions will always use the full name listed on your account.

Attachments
Unless you are expecting an attachment, you should be wary since most banks and financial institutions will not send attachments via email/text, but rather upload them to a secure message center. Attachments can contain malware, so never open them unless you’re 100% sure they’re legitimate.

A Sense of Urgency
Don’t let requests that are asking you to take fast action or warning you of problems that will compromise your account status scare you. If action needs to be taken, it’s best to pause, evaluate the situation, and contact the institution directly (via their website or phone number).

Fake URL
If the web address is scrambled, looks suspect, deceptive, or inauthentic, don't click on anything and leave. It’s always best to type in the URL for the site you want to visit rather than clicking the link in the message.

Asks for Sensitive Info
Do not provide personal, credit card, or account info via email, text, or phone. Your bank or financial institution should never ask you to provide this information in an email.

Promises Monetary Rewards
Be wary of the promise of money in return for a favor, notifications of lottery wins, and unsolicited job offers. If it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably too good to be true.

Poorly Written
Typos, misspellings, and incorrect grammar are common in phishing messages.

Remember, scammers can be very convincing, and they are good at what they do. If you aren’t sure if a message is from a legitimate source, pause and do your due diligence to confirm the legitimacy of the message. You can always log in to your account with that company and check for urgent messages, call the company directly, or reach out to Copperwynd. We are happy to help review any suspicious messages!

If you have questions, please contact us.

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