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Phishing scams – how to spot them and what to do

Phishing is a technique used by hackers to trick people into giving personal details or taking an action.

A phishing scam might ask you for login information, get you to open an attachment, or even pay an invoice or bill. These cyber-criminals spend a lot of time setting up lures and scams, making them look convincing and legitimate.

Most modern email providers like UC’s own email system, Gmail, Office365, Outlook and Yahoo have filters to stop phishing and spam email from getting through, but some still do and the best protection is awareness.

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Spotting a scam

Go through these checks before opening an email that you weren’t expecting to receive.

• Is the spelling and grammar in the message correct?
• Does the link and the text match - hover your mouse over the link, and you will see what the link really is.
• Does the email urge you to take immediate action?
• Does the email address of the sender look reasonable compared to the content of the email?
• Look at the salutation does it say ‘Dear Customer’?
• Look at the signature, a lack of detail for the person or company suggests phishing.
• Are you expecting an email from that sender?
• Is the message asking you to do something unusual? e.g. buy iTunes cards.

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Next steps

If you think you have received a phishing email or spam: Report it. If it’s been sent to you by someone at UC let them know it has come from them.

The personal cost of phishing scams

Cyber-criminals can take a massive toll on your personal and professional life by using your personal or online information.

��Your data or files could be deleted, encrypted or held at ransom.

• You could lose access to your bank account, have purchases billed to you or credit. cards and loans opened in your name.
• You could become a victim of tax fraud.
• You could lose access to your social media accounts and be locked out of apps.
• Your device could be used to spread malware to your colleagues, family, and friends.

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Phishing scams in different formats

��Phishing scams don’t only target email systems. You can also be phished through text, other messaging services or by phone call, for instance. Like email phishing scams, if you receive one, don’t follow the link, give out personal information or respond, report it and delete it.

The best protection against phishing scams is awareness. Question unexpected messages, report and delete them if they are suspicious. If you think you have been a victim of identity theft, these organisations provide advice.