Spammers are the Albert Einstein of the current
generation, unfortunately working for the wrong block.
As ordinary people, we are capable of being deceived by these
spammers.
An email is more likely to be a spam and a product of
phishing scams if the email:
1. Is
unsolicited and from an unknown source
2. Is telling
you of something you did not do, like participating in the sweepstakes.
3. Claims to be from a respected website, like
CNN or Forbes, but uses a Yahoo or Google e-mail address. Note: employees of
big companies have their own company email address.
4.
Uses an address that contains long
string of alphanumerical characters. Example: 12332435456@mail.com
5. Asks
you money in return of a promotional item or a job offer. Where on earth would
you pay to get employed or to get a freebie!
6. Contains
a logo that is an imitation. You don’t want to talk about copyright issues and
SOPA/PIPA, do you?
7. Has
greetings that are too generic. This tells you that you are one of the hundreds
of the recipient of the email.
8. Asks
you to reply stating your address, account password, credit card number, social
security number, PayPal account and other personal information.
9. Body has too many typographical and
grammatical errors. The sender is basically not contacting an editor.
10. Asks
you to click on a link. Be careful; install computer protection software into
your system.
11. Requesting
you to answer a survey or participate in a research- then asks you to enter
your personal information at the end. See the trend?
12. Provides
attachments, but the email says nothing about the attachments. You should be
careful in downloading them.
Spam emails are tricky. They look real. They just want
to siphon your cash. They want to spread viruses. Keep your eye on these
phrases/statements:
a.
Verify
your account
b.
You
have won the lottery
c.
Bored?
d.
Hey,
check this out
e.
If
you don’t respond within 24 hours, your account will be closed.
f.
We
are from the charity
g.
Bank
account
h.
Call
me now
Next, test your eyes. Spot the difference!
a. software
b. soffware
c. soltware
d. softwaree
e. softwar
f. softwarc
For company mails that deal with hundreds of emails
daily, hiring of moderators to screen spam emails is a strategic move. No
business affords to be cheated. That is why spam folders are created.
Now, take a look at these:
