
FBI Warns Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail Users—Check 3 Things To Stop Attacks
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning to millions of email users worldwide, cautioning them against falling victim to phishing scams. As technology continues to advance, scammers are getting increasingly sophisticated in their tactics, making it essential for individuals to stay vigilant and take steps to protect themselves.
According to the FBI’s advisory, one of the most common phishing scams is an email purporting to come from a global brand like Apple, Microsoft, or Meta. These emails typically offer a legitimate-sounding reason to reset your password or update your account information. However, they are actually designed to trick users into revealing sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card details, and other personal data.
To avoid falling prey to these attacks, the FBI recommends checking three crucial things before responding:
1. The sender’s email address: Always verify the sender’s email address by clicking on it. If it doesn’t match the company’s official domain (e.g., @apple.com), consider it a scam.
2. Be cautious of too-good-to-be-true messages: Remember the FBI’s advice – if something seems too good to be true, it likely is. Scammers often use fake promises and urgency to get you to act quickly without thinking.
3. Don’t open attachments or click links from unfamiliar senders: As mentioned earlier, the email may contain a link or attachment that asks you to take action. The FBI advises against opening any attachments or clicking on links unless you are 100% sure they come from a trusted source.
To further emphasize this point, Scott Polderman, a tech expert, recently warned his followers on TikTok about an Apple-themed phishing scam. He demonstrated how the email closely resembles an official Apple message and even includes details about setting up a legacy contact after death. The format of the email is so convincing that it’s easy to fall for the scam.
The takeaway from this warning is clear: stay vigilant, be cautious, and never click on links or open attachments unless you are certain they come from a trusted source.
In conclusion, while technology advances rapidly, our security should keep pace.
Source: http://www.forbes.com