Each second, 2.7 million emails are being sent and approximately 60% of them are considered email fraud. Phishing is an act of social engineering to access private information. Phishing emails appear as they’re sent from a reputable person or legitimate company. However, this practice is known as spoofing. Fraudulent emails ask for personal information for “verification” purposes. Scammers want victims to click on a link or reply to their emails. The fraudsters may set up fake websites that look exactly like the legitimate website to trick users into giving out sensitive information.

 

What do Email Fraudsters Want?

Scammers request sensitive information through various spoofing tactics. Always think twice when the following information is requested:

 

  • Bank Account Numbers: Debit and Credit Cards, Checking and Savings Accounts, Lines of Credit, Mortgage Accounts, Loan Numbers
  • Unique identifiers: Social Security Numbers, Driver’s License and Passport Numbers
  • Digital Identifiers: Usernames and Passwords
  • Business Information: Financial Reports, Business Plans, Supplier or Customer Information

 


What are Common Email Fraud Indicators?

Most email fraud attempt has a dramatic background story. The emails often have poor spelling and grammar along with missing punctuation. Email fraud spurs emotions such as fear, despair, panic and in some cases thrill. General or simple greetings such as “Dear member” or “Hello” are used instead of the victims’ full name. The “From” email address section usually looks fine at first glance. A good practice is hovering the pointer over the address, then matching it with the official one. Remember to check if the address starts with HTTP instead of HTTPS where “S” stands for secure. Refreshing email passwords every three to six weeks is a practice worth the time. If phishing happens contact your financial institution, credit bureaus and the local authorities mentioned in the last article about smartphone fraud.

 

Work at home offers charge upfront “fees” or overpay candidates in the first days of work. 


As the 2020 election approaches, fraudsters send fake surveys, petitions, fundraising links while impersonating organizations.


Playing a foreign lottery is a violation of federal law. Many times, the chances of winning are slim to none.

email fraud tactics

This scam is about a family member in a dire situation. 

email fraud examples

Relies on gaining the victim's affection for fraudulent acts.

email fraud stats

Demands a fee upfront to receive stock, money or warrants.

 

For example, voter registration email fraud might seem like an auto-generated email from a local board or civic group. With a simple message, the fraudsters blend into the email noise making it easy for the victims to act. The email message might use similar logos and require consumers to register to vote or confirm their identity. But the senders’ email address is always from a common email provider or unknow website.      

 

How to Report Email and Scammers?

Reporting email fraud is a good practice encouraged by all authorities. The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center and the Federal Trade Commision track email scams along with the local authorities. National Bank of Arizona® has zero tolerance for phishing emails. As a step further, NB|AZ® offers our clients the IBM security software called Trusteer Rapport®.