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Scam Alert: Always Think Before You Click

Scam Alert: Always Think Before You Click

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Phishing scams, or emails pretending to be reputable companies like SRT, are making the rounds again. Some of these scams claim there is an upgrade for SRT or SRT webmail, which is not true. As a general reminder, the best rule of thumb is to never click on suspicious emails, watch for misspellings since that is usually a key indicator of spam, and always call SRT directly when questioning if an email is legitimate.

Before you click, check for these 4 Red Flags:

1. The Sender: Does the email address look suspicious or unusual? Check for strange domains (e.g., urgent@SRTalertaccount.net).

2. High Pressure: Does it say, “Urgent Action Required” or “Account Suspended”? Phishing scams use urgent and often threatening language to make customers panic and click.

3. Generic Greetings: Beware of greetings like, “Dear Valued Customer,” or “Dear Sir or Madam.”

4. The “Hover” Test: Hover your mouse over any link, but don’t actually click on it. If the URL looks like a jumbled mess or doesn’t match the company’s legitimate website, delete the email.

When in doubt, contact SRT directly at 701.858.1200 instead of clicking any links. Follow our Facebook page for more cybersecurity tips shared each month.

How to Spot a Phishing Email

How to Spot a Phishing Email

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Be on the lookout! A lot of phishing is going on (and not the fun kind involving North Dakota lakes in summer). Bad actors are better than ever at making emails seem realistic and tricking unsuspecting people into clicking malicious links or opening infected documents. Often, phishing emails will have a company logo, and at first glance, seem quite realistic. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has also made phishing scams more believable. However, there are some simple things to do when opening an email that can save you time and stress in the long run.
 

Check the Sender Address

Hover over the from address to see if the email is who it says it is. A quick Google search will often provide you with what the legitimate email address should be.

Look for Grammatical Errors

Legitimate companies are less likely to have grammatical errors as opposed to someone posing as a legitimate company.

Check the Salutation

If you receive an email with a generic salutation such as “hello sir/madam,” or “hi dear,” it is likely to be a scam. Reputable companies will have your name on file and are unlikely to address you in this manner.

Watch for Urgency

If an email is flagged or the subject line includes words like “urgent, time-sensitive, immediate action required,” it is likely not a legitimate email.  

Question the Need for Credentials or Personal Information

Rarely will a legitimate company or agency request personal information through an automated email. SRT will never ask you for sensitive information over email, so if you receive an email request supposedly from SRT to provide personal credentials, it is best to call our direct company phone number and confirm the request.

Don’t Click on Suspicious Documents or Links

If there are documents or links within a questionable and unexpected email, it is most likely a scam. When in doubt, it’s best not to click on any links or download documents until you have confirmed the legitimacy of an email.

Think Critically

Some bad actors are trying so hard to fool unsuspecting people that they don’t think to ensure you utilize the service or company they are pretending to be. For example, you receive an email from someone claiming to be from Netflix, you panic, and open the link. However, you didn’t stop to remember that you don’t have a Netflix account. Something as simple as knowing you do not use the service can save you from opening a bad link.

However, if you do have an account with the company that you received an email from, like SRT, it is always best to call the number on their official website and verify. We are always happy to clear up any misconceptions and set your mind at ease. Keeping your personal information secure is our top priority!