An email pops up in your inbox from a friend or a colleague. The subject line is a little odd, maybe “urgent request” or “quick question.” You open it, and the message asks for a favor: can you send them a link, transfer some money, or provide some information? Everything in your gut is telling you something is wrong, but it’s from someone you know, so it must be okay, right?
Not so fast. This is a classic “trust trap.” Cybercriminals know that you’re much more likely to open an email from someone you trust. They hack into a friend’s or coworker’s account and use it to send out phishing emails to everyone on their contact list. Their goal is to get you to lower your guard just enough to click a link, send them money, or give away sensitive information.
Spotting the Phishing Red Flags
Even though the sender’s name might be familiar, a suspicious email will almost always have a few key signs that it’s not legitimate. Train your eyes to spot these warning signs:
- The Request Is Unusual: Is your friend suddenly asking for money via wire transfer or gift cards? Is your colleague asking you to transfer files or share a password in a way you’ve never done before? If the request is out of the ordinary, be very suspicious.
- The Tone Is Off: Read the message carefully. Does it sound like your friend? Is the grammar or spelling a little strange? Scammers often use a generic or urgent tone that doesn’t match the person’s personality.
- Urgency Is a Key Tactic: The message will try to rush you into acting without thinking. It might say, “I’m in a bind and need money right now,” or “This is time-sensitive, please send this immediately.” Don’t fall for the pressure.
- Requests for Sensitive Information: Remember that your bank or any reputable company will never ask for your passwords, account numbers, or other sensitive information via email. The same goes for friends and family. A genuine request for financial information would likely come with a phone call, not an unsolicited email.
So, What’s the Golden Rule?
If a message from a friend or colleague feels off, you should never click on a link in the email or reply to the message. Replying just tells the scammer that your email address is active, making you a bigger target.
Instead, pick up the phone! Give your friend a call to verify the request. Or, if calling isn’t an option, reach out to them on another platform that you know is secure, like a text message or a different social media app. A simple, “Hey, did you just send me an email asking for a wire transfer?” can save you from a major financial and security headache.
By following this simple rule, you can protect yourself from phishing scams and ensure that your trust in your friends and colleagues isn’t exploited by cybercriminals. A quick phone call is a small price to pay for your security and peace of mind.
