Simple ways to identify phishing emails

Phishing emails are mails sent by supposed financial institutions with the sole aim of obtaining victims personal financial details. Phishing scams vary from low tech variation in which forms are attached in the emails which are required to be filled and mailed back. Hi tech phishing scams incorporates links to spoof websites were vital information are harnessed.
These emails seem so convincing and have an element of urgency that keeps potential victims off balance. Some of the supposed reasons Because of the distressing effects of this internet scam, there is a need for consumer awareness. Here are some simple ways to identifying this brand of emails.


Unsolicited emails


The rationale behind any type of phishing scam email is to jeopardize the privacy of the user’s personal information. Unsolicited email apparently from financial institutions or business organizations that provides either forms to be filled and mailed back or links to websites from which users personal information are harnessed . The second scenario is more common and more dangerous one.


When the links in such mails are clicked, the users are directed to the evil twin which is a replica of a legitimate website. It rarely occurs that a bank or credit card company would contact you via emails requesting for such sensitive information.


Contents


These emails are well orchestrated o as to mislead costumers to believing that they are sent by legitimate institution. These emails may contain logos, contact and copyright information all in the bid to convince the reader of the authenticity of the email. Furthermore these mails contain links to spoofed website.


Due to the fact the emails are send in bulk to numerous addressee, these phishing emails use standard and non specific greetings such as DEAR CUSTOMER.


Cloaked links and senders address


Phishing email usually contains links that are well disguised to make it appear that they lead to legitimate financial institution. The senders address can also be well camouflaged so as to appear to have originated from a genuine institution.


Pharming emails and methods


This type of spam emails are the nightmare of any internet users. Pharming emails are by far more sophisticated than phishing emails. This type of emails comes with Trojans used to steal personal information from the unwary victim. Pharming emails takes away the luxury of waiting for the victim to willing take the bait as in the case of phishing emails.


Pharming emails may not require opening of the attachments so as to install rogue software which redirects the user’s browser to a spoof website whenever the users tries to access a genuine website. Having successfully redirected the victim to the spoof webpage the rest is as easy as downing a cup of coffee.


Another variation of pharming emails involves the use of key loggers that track key strokes made on legitimate webpage and steal victim’s passwords. This stolen password used for various malicious purposes.


Simple ways to avoiding pharming emails


Technological solutions


Many victims of this are lovers of free things. These so call free gifts, software’s, books and games may just not be that free. They may come along with Trojans, spywares, key loggers, rogue software’s, worms and other complex threats. Using anti phishing and antivirus software’s could go a long way in detecting these threats.


Avoiding spam messages


Many of these pharm emails are spam messages, so avoid as much as possible unsolicited emails no matter how attractive and tempting they may appear.


Avoid free offers


Avoiding that free game that you so desire may be really worth it! When you cannot guarantee the safety of your computer, then it’s advisable to avoid these free offers.