A CYBERSECURITY expert has told The U.S. Sun how an email sign-off can be a telltale sign of a scam.
Erich Kron, a security awareness advocate at specialist firm KnowBe4 explained how a friendly phrase could actually indicate cybercrime.
He told us: “Scammers are getting much better at ensuring their communications do not contain grammar and spelling mistakes, so this is not something we can count on to reliably spot scams.
“There are some language signs, such as the use of the word “kindly” in emails purporting to be from Americans to Americans.
“While it’s not unheard of, it’s simply not a common phrase used in American English, however, when communicating with people from different parts of the world, it can be a normal part of dialogue.”
While the word “kindly” isn’t necessarily a sign of a scam, it is worth watching out for it in emails you weren’t expecting.
That especially applies if the email is asking you for personal or financial information.
Odd phrases can also help indicate when a scammer is actually impersonating a brand.
Kron added: “While the culmination of odd phrases can be a sign to be cautious, it’s important not to react immediately just because a phrase is not something we typically hear.
“This has never been more true than in modern globally connected society.”
He thinks you need to apply caution in context and look for other red flags to be certain that an email is a scam.
The expert concluded: “More importantly, we should watch for indications that the email is asking us to take a potentially dangerous action, such as providing sensitive information or access, or asking us to give up a password or confirmation code.”
HOW TO AVOID A PHISHING SCAM
Firstly, you should be thorough when checking who the email is from.
Even if it looks official, double-check the email and look for any spelling mistakes or slight abnormalities in the sender’s email address.
Never feel pressurised into opening an attachment and avoid clicking the phrase “enable content.”
You should also be wary of links in emails.
If you’re certain an email you have received is a scam, report it to your email provider and delete it.
