Cybercriminals are constantly coming up with new phishing scams, and their latest tactic involves using deceptive images in emails to trick recipients into clicking on them. These images may appear to be invoices, receipts, or other important documents, but they are actually malicious and can install malware on your devices, compromising your security and privacy. It’s important to be aware of these scams and take steps to protect yourself.
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So how do hackers convince you to click on these images? Their new strategy involves sending fake delivery notifications, claiming that your packages couldn’t be delivered for unknown reasons. The email itself is entirely an image, with a link that prompts you to enter your address to address the delivery issue. At a glance, it can be difficult to determine if the email is a fraud, especially considering the number of packages people receive on a daily basis. Many fall for this scam because they are curious about the missed package.
To avoid falling victim to these phishing emails, it’s important to check the sender’s email address like a detective. If you receive an email claiming to be from a major package delivery company like FedEx, take a closer look at the sender’s email. Use a trusted search engine to verify the real email address for these companies. If the email you received doesn’t match that address, it’s likely a scam. For example, in the phishing email shown below, the sender’s address is “@facientuantulate.com,” which is clearly suspicious and not associated with FedEx.
The scammers behind these phishing emails are clever in their techniques. They often include a play button on top of the image to entice you to click. They also use words like “We were unable to deliver your parcel” to create a sense of curiosity and urgency, making you more likely to click. These hackers know how to use images effectively to trick you into visiting a phishing website.
To protect your devices from being hacked, there are some steps you can take. First, be cautious when opening any email, even if it appears to come from a trusted source. Look out for spelling and grammar errors, as phishing messages often contain these mistakes. Hackers now use images to avoid such errors, so it’s important to be extra vigilant. If you receive an email from an unknown sender that includes links, attachments, or suspicious images, avoid clicking on them. These are red flags that can lead to trouble and compromise your personal data.
Another common tactic used by hackers is to create a sense of urgency in their emails. They want you to panic and respond without thinking. It’s important to stay calm and not let your emotions dictate your actions. Don’t reply or cooperate with the sender if you suspect a phishing attempt.
Enabling two-factor authentication whenever possible adds an additional layer of security to your accounts. This requires a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password. Additionally, having reliable antivirus software installed on all your devices is crucial. It will alert you to detectable malware, warn you against clicking on known malicious images or links, and ultimately protect you from being hacked.
If you receive a phishing email, it’s essential to report it to the appropriate authorities. Contact the sender’s email provider, your email provider, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can also forward the email to [email protected], a service run by the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG).
To sum up, phishing attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with scammers now using images to lure unsuspecting victims. It’s crucial to be cautious when opening unsolicited emails, scrutinize the sender’s email address, and avoid clicking on suspicious images, links, or attachments. Enable two-factor authentication and ensure you have reliable antivirus software installed. By reporting phishing emails, you can help protect yourself and others from falling victim to these scams.
Have you ever come across a phishing email that used images to deceive you? How did you recognize it, and what steps did you take to protect yourself? Let us know by contacting us at Cyberguy.com/Contact. For more tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to Kurt’s free CyberGuy Report Newsletter at Cyberguy.com/Newsletter. Stay safe online!
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