Along with the convenience of the internet has come a new wave of predators looking to steal from innocent victims. This often occurs through ‘spoof’ emails.

A ‘spoof’ email is an email that appears to be from a legitimate organization or business – often banks or service providers – but is really a fake email sent from a con artist.

These thieves construct emails that use the logos and styles of the bank or business and attempt to convince the recipient to reply or click on a link to a website and submit personal and financial information that can be used to commit identity fraud.

While these emails are extremely common they can be difficult to identify unless you know what to look for. Here are some signals that an email may be a fraud as well as some general warnings about dealing with ‘spoof’ emails.

Not Using Your Name

Spoof emails will likely not have your name in the message. They may be addressed ‘Dear Customer’, ‘Member’, ‘Friend’ or other ambiguous title. Real emails from institutions or business you have accounts with will use your name or a name you created for your account.

No Account Number

Companies that you have done business with will have account numbers and passwords on file. If you are ever contacted by a business that asks you to verify your account number or password do not respond. Only give information to businesses if you have initiated the contact.

Improper Grammar or Spelling Errors

A surprising amount of these ‘spoofs’ will have grammar or spelling errors. Whether this is because the con artist is not a native English speaker or it was done in a hurry is immaterial. A legitimate business email will not likely have these glaring errors.

Warnings to Close Your Account

Often the ‘spoof’ email takes the form of a warning that your account has been illegally accessed, that you have been a victim of fraud or that your account will be closed unless you respond to the email. They will ask you to click on a link in the email and verify your information. In reality you are giving the information to the thief who will use it to access your real accounts.How serious is identity theft? Protect yourself, get free adware download and protect your online security.

Always be suspicious of emails that ask for personal information. Contact the business through their official website and find out how to forward the fraudulent email to them. If you have opened any links or provided personal information you should immediately contact the business about the account and watch for unauthorized activity. Change all passwords or close the accounts and open new ones with different access codes.Get your free $97 PC Security book at http://www.pc-tool.info/

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