What does a phishing email message look like
Always trust your instincts, if an email offers something that looks too good to be true, it possibly is. Similarly don’t be tempted to respond hastily to an email that threatens to disable your account. Check the IT Services website or give the IT Service Desk a call if you are unsure whether an email is genuine or not.
Phishing emails often have the following types of characteristics:
- They may use language like ‘important notice’, ‘urgent update’ or ‘alert’ or ‘violation’ with a deceptive subject line to persuade you that the email has come from a trusted source.
- They may contain messages that use threatening language, stating that your account will be disabled if you do not act.
- They may appear to come from someone in Trinity but you should be aware that email addresses can be forged easily.
- They may copy content such as logos and images used on legitimate websites to make the email look genuine.
- They may contain hyperlinks that will redirect you to a fraudulent website instead of the genuine links that are displayed. If you see a link in a suspicious email message, don’t click on it. Rest your mouse (but don’t click) on the link to see if the address matches the link typed in the message.