Billions of Gmail users told to search for three names in their inbox – ignoring warning signs could leave you ruined
SECURITY experts have warned people to check for three brand names in their inboxes this week.
Whether you use Gmail, Outlook, Android, or iPhone, experts at IT security company Trend Micro have spotted several scams that could come your way.
The three words you need to look at for are UPS, Amazon, and Netflix.
Scammers often use trusted big brand names to lure in victims and convince them to give away personal details.
Security experts at Trend Micro look out for new scams every week and claim to have found many recently.
The Netflix scam involves a phishing email that mentions “unusual account activity.”
The email looks pretty legitimate but takes you to a bogus website that will steal your details if you enter them.
The Amazon scam involves phishing emails and texts.
One pretends to be from Amazon Prime and asked you to update your payment information.
The fake website will steal your payment information.
The second scam has been sent via SMS and email.
It claims your Amazon account has been locked for security reasons and will take you to a convincing but bogus website.
The UPS scam has mostly been spotted in text messages.
It aims to steal your home address and credit card details by asking you to fill out a form about a fake parcel.
How to avoid a phishing scam
Firstly, you should be thorough when checking who the email is from.
Even if it looks official, double-check the email and look for any spelling mistakes or slight abnormalities in the sender’s email address.
Never feel pressurised into opening an attachment and avoid clicking the phrase “enable content.”
You should also be wary of links in emails.
If you’re certain an email you have received is a scam, delete it.
If you’re unsure about an email about a membership email, contact the brand in question directly from the details provided on its legitimate website.