bombarded with phishing emails

[PEV]

Just thought I'd ask if others are getting a daily stream of phishing emails? Apart from the usual 'banks' (I'm not even with)

I'm getting Amazon asking me to check out my order 'click on the link yeh right! Now I'm even getting them from 'holiday booking people like Bookings .com.

I just wonder if someone knows my online activities or are the scams just random?

I'm a bit worried although I am ultra suspicious of any unexpected emails.

Any advice please?

Ray

[mh2]

It is Christmas Time, therefore spam levels tend to increase. I have 730 mails marked as Spam for the last 30 days, so it's double than usual.

[Plastic Nev]

Hi Ray.

Strangely enough I had a run of phishing mails some time early 2012 last year, nothing as bad as one or more a day mind, but it has dried up again and haven't had one for nearly twelve months.

These scammers harvest e mail addresses from all sorts of sources, hence why we edit them out when a member inadvertently posts theirs, unfortunately, apart from closing the account and creating a fresh account with a different address, not a lot can be done about it. When the scammers realise you are not biting, they do eventually stop.

In the mean time have a look here for further advice and a means to report these phishing mails.

 

http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/office-workers-swamped-by-phishing-emails-jan13

 

 

Nev.

[KenB]

I have been getting some on one of my email accounts.

 

Reminder to others reading this .....

Remember:

Banks etc will NEVER ask you to input secure details from an email.

[PEV]

Just to add to this Ken. The phishing emails I have been getting are from a wide range not just banks, including messages allegedly from respectable companies such as Amazon, Mark & Spencers Parcel Force etc claiming that my 'parcel/gift' is waiting to be collected and all I need to do is click on the link for details. AND IF YOU CLICK THE LINK YOU GET RANSOMEWARE OR OTHER MALWARE WHICH IN MY CASE EARLIER THIS YEAR SO INFESTED MY HARD DRIVE IT HAD TO BE REPLACED!

This time of year it is so easy to get caught out!

Even If you expect a delivery BE VERY CAREFUL to check before opening any link.

Ray

[KenB]

A point well made Ray :)

[Starbuck]

Even If you expect a delivery BE VERY CAREFUL to check before opening any link.

Very good advice.

 

I must say though, that all of the parcel delivery companies that have delivered to me this year...... confirm delivery by text message.

Maybe the delivery companies are finding it safer that way. ( along with the customers)