How to Protect Yourself From Encrypted Email Fraud
Modern email services offer valuable anti-fraudulent features, like identifying and removing spam. Yet, as the software has evolved, so have the threats. Today’s fraudsters are taking advantage of the peace of mind provided by state-of-the-art security techniques, like encrypted email messages, to steal your information, such as credit card log-ins and banking credentials.
Thankfully, learning about their latest deceptive tactics can help you stay protected.
[Read More: How Much is Your Information Worth?]
Why Encrypted Emails Still Pose Risks
Encryption is a digital process that shields information from non-intended parties. In the case of email, it scrambles the details in the message to prevent scammers from accessing the data as it travels from the sender to the recipient — and all the servers in-between.
While encryption is effective at blocking outside spectators, fraudsters have learned how to get an insider’s view. The thieves gain access to a compromised email — either by tricking the user to click an unsafe link or downloading a nefarious file. They may also purchase their details from other spammers if it is already jeopardized.
Once inside the account, they send encrypted messages to contacts in their address book. Typically, the email requests the recipient to follow a link. Since the message is from a known user and is encrypted, readers often feel comfortable enough to interact. The resulting landing page appears normal and asks them to log-in, which then allows the fraudsters to gain access to their credentials without them ever knowing.
How to Protect Yourself From Email Scams
After getting into your email, spammers can reuse the trick on your address book, putting all of your contacts at risk for fraud. They can also use the access to request or alter log-in credentials for other accounts, like changing your banking password. As such, it’s essential to take additional steps to keep your details safe.
Multi-Factor Authentication
This email scam relies on a single access point to your email account. For that reason, adding an additional layer of proof to log-in can block their movements. Multi-factor authentication requires providing an access code or other acknowledgement sent to a separate device or tool, like a text message, before you can log in. Enabling it on your email accounts — as well as banking accounts — can prevent fraudulent access.
Contact the Sender
Not opening links or media from unknown sources has become common knowledge. However, since the latest fraud efforts rely on known contacts, it’s important to now use the same level of apprehension when receiving emails from people in your address book. If the message is unexpected, reach out to the contact using another form of communication to verify that they actually sent it before interacting with the email.
Staying Fraud Free With The Callaway Bank
We understand just how quickly fraud can happen. That’s why we’ve implemented a variety of enhanced security features for our banking accounts, including encryption, firewalls, and multi-factor authentication. We also have a comprehensive list of resources in our Fraud Prevention Center.
Additionally, our customer care team is available to answer your questions and provide guidance.