LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The threat of malware lurks in every attachment that enters your inbox. Even those that look legitimate may hide something nasty.
They’ll show up in emails that seem to come from reputable organizations like Microsoft, DocuSign, or PayPal. The subject line seems alarming, and the message warns of a pressing issue with your account. Both the email and the attachment contain official logos and professional formatting, but they’re fake, as is the phony customer service you’re told to call.
Place the call and a person posing as a customer service agent will walk you through the process of downloading software to solve the problem. Unfortunately, the fix is nothing more than malware. Now your device is compromised.
The fake agent may also ask you for sensitive account information, but be warned, they’re just stealing your data. Provide it and you’ve fallen further victim to a phishing scam.
Experts warn, always be suspicious of any email with attachments you didn’t specifically request. Never open an attachment unless you’re certain of its origin.
Be cautious when using any information provided in an email. When in doubt, use the contact information provided on a company or organization’s official website or app.
Legitimate organizations rarely send urgent messages via PDF or attachment, so warning emails with attachments should raise red flags. Cybercriminals often use scare tactics to get you to act fast without pausing to think, so always think before you click.
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