Does This E-Mail Smell Phishy?

What is Phishing?
 
​Cybercriminals aren't your ordinary thugs. They are smart, sophisticated and clever. They are after your personal and financial information, and Phishing is the primary tool in their toolbox. Whether by email (Phishing, Spearphishing and Whaling), phone (social engineering), SMS (Smishing), they present themselves as a legitimate enterprise to gain your trust and your information. These can range from widespread, generic mass emailing to individualized, highly specific and direct email.

How can I recognize Phishing Emails?

Phishing messages often appear to be from a legitimate source such as your bank, a Government agency, your Internet Service Provider, even a local store. They are almost always threatening in nature and insist you click on a link to sign in to your account or open an attachment. Never, I'll say that again; never click on that link or attachment.
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How dangerous are Phishing scams?

VERY. Falling for a phishing scam can lead to your identity getting stolen, your credit rating affected and even affecting your friends and family. Clicking that fake password reset link from the bank and trying to sign-in on the cybercriminals fake page can result in your bank accounts getting emptied. Entering your social insurance number on that fake CRA website can lead to new credit cards, and accounts opened up in your name. Signing in to that fake webmail page for your Internet Service Provider can see all of your friends and family targeted by highly focused Phishing scams (referred to as Spearphishing).

How can you protect yourself?

Be suspicious of unsolicited email. Legitimate businesses will never request personal information via email. They also have web domains. Your Internet Service Provider, for instance, will never send you an email from a @gmail, @hotmail, etc. Likewise, any links will go back to their web domain, not some unknown address. Never reply to a Phishing email as it proves to the cybercriminals that you are an active target worthy of further pursuit.

Conclusion

Phishing emails can sometimes be challenging to detect. If you have any doubts about an email's legitimacy, err on the side of caution. Visit the business or agency website, and call their support directly. If you ever have any questions about an email that appears to be from KELCOM RevolutionIP, please contact us by phone at 877-901-8647, email at support@kelcom.net or by our web-based chat or contact form on KELCOM.net. Our customer service is ready to assist you.

What is Phishing