How to Spot Phishing E-mails
I’m frequently asked how to do this, and the simple answer is that if an e-mail isn’t from someone you know or someone you do business with, don’t open it. Further, if the e-mail doesn’t seem in character for that person or business, don’t open it. If you’d be suspicious of the content if your received it in regular mail or were told it by a stranger on the street, don’t open it. For those with the patience I provide some more detailed ideas.
Now I can just refer them to 10 tips for spotting a phishing e-mail on TechRepublic. It was 10 for 10 things that I would agree with.
The key, for better or worse, is taking the time to observe and think before you open an e-mail attachment or allow the e-mail to display external content. (Oh, did I mention always having your e-mail client block external content until you know you want the e-mail?) The reason I say “for better or worse” is that many busy people simply won’t take the time to check these things carefully.
For my contract clients, help is only a phone call away if you’re in doubt. If you want that e-mail badly enough, call me and I’ll look at it. But I’d suggest that generally if you’re suspicious enough to call me it would be best to delete it.
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