NAU ITS is here to help you spot a phishing email. There may be times where you find yourself questioning the validity of an email. Here are some tips to help you catch a scam before it’s too late.
Look at the Title
- Does the title read something along the lines of “We Have Money for You” or “Your Account has Been Deactivated”?
- Hackers will entice users to open their emails and click on their links with language that spikes an emotional reaction like curiosity or fear.
What is the Call To Action?
- Does the email contain bold text that reads “this is urgent — act now”?
- If any email asks for your personal information, such as bank account information or your passwords, it’s most likely a phishing email.
- There are times you will get important emails where you have to act fast, but it’s important to not click on any unknown links.
Can you view the URL?
- If you cannot view the URL because a link is embedded into a button or text and you are being directed to another website, we recommend you hover over the link before you click anything.
- When you hover over the text/ button, you will see if you can trust the URL.
- If you are still unsure, don’t click on the link.
- Links can be encrypted with malware that can crash your devices and/ or steal your personal information.
Check for spelling errors
- Oftentimes phishing emails will have slight spelling errors. If an email contains various spelling errors, then that might be a red flag.
What can I do next?
- If you are still unsure if you received a phishing email and some action may be required from you, contact the sender directly in a new email or form of communication. Don’t just respond to the questionable email.
- For example, if you receive an email from your bank, visit their website to find their contact information or customer support services, or call the number on the back of your debit or credit card.
- Another example: if you receive an email from NAU but are unsure if it’s coming from your professor or dean, find them (or the department) in the NAU directory for their official NAU contact information.
- If your account is being deactivated, NAU ITS will contact you.
For more information regarding phishing at NAU, please view: https://in.nau.edu/its/emailphishing/
