Beware of Malicious Emails

Are you protecting your credit and identity in every way? Many consumers face credit issues that stem from identity theft. One security threat we are seeing on the rise are malicious emails. How can you tell if the email you have received is real or malicious? Today we’ll cover warning signs to be aware of to keep your information safe.

 

Phishing Emails
Hackers will bait consumers with emails that seem almost legitimate including files or links to “phish” their victims. In many reported cases hackers send emails as “secure” messages from a banking institution that asks consumers to act on requests.

 

Impersonation
Hackers are impersonating real institutions. This lowers a consumer’s guard by thinking the email they are receiving is legitimate. It is important to understand that these emails do not mean these institutions have been hacked themselves. Hackers have simply found a way to trick consumers into trusting the emails they are sending.

 

Spoof Emails
Another form of impersonation, some hackers have gone as far as buying domains similar to real institution names. These are usually spoofed to look like real emails a consumer may actually receive from their bank or institution. It’s also important to point out that reports of malicious emails have not only used banking institutions to confuse consumers. Reports of other institutions have also been used such as FedEx, PayPal, DropBox and more.

 

How Can These Emails Impact Me?
The bait included in the email can spread a virus throughout your computer. Cases of ransomware have been reported from these emails. Hackers will encrypt data files and hold on to them for ransom. These emails do not only provide a threat to your desk top devices. Although many browsers and operating systems for mobile devices are immune from these types of threats, they can also be impacted and lock these devices as well.

 

How Can I Catch These Emails?
It’s a good rule of thumb to never fully trust any communication you’re receiving. Inspect the email for possible malicious signs.

• Alerting emails wanting you to act fast
• Bad spelling and grammar
• Spoof emails
• Emails requesting you to provide info without you being alerted

If you are not sure if the email you have received is legitimate contact the institution directly. Do not use any contact information provided in any suspicious emails. If you think you have been a victim of identity theft, or believe your credit could be compromised by inaccurate info consult with a credit specialist.

 

MSI Credit Solutions leverages consumer’s rights and works on their behalf to remove questionable negative items from their credit report which results in an increase to your credit scores. MSI Credit Solutions has averaged a successful 50-80% deletion rate over 11 years.

 

 

MSI Credit Solutions provides superior credit restoration and comprehensive consulting services that are reliable and affordable. Call today for your free credit repair consultation! Contact us at (866) 217-9841.

 

*The information in this article has been provided strictly for educational purposes.