Another word of warning, especially to smaller businesses. The phishers are trolling for you, placing new lures for their malware (malicious software) aimed toward your computer. Larger and global companies tend to have more sophisticated spam detection but the “spaminator” doesn’t always work at your local Outlook mailbox. Here is the most recent attempt to gain access to my computer (click on the image to gain clarity).
This scammer wasn’t effective because this firm does not use ADP, but if it did, what might have happened?
This particular scam is not much different from the format of the one that targeted the Better Business Bureau — the subject of a previous report in the Rade Law Blog. They both use what appears to be a credible return email address. The object of both emails is to have you open the attachment –that’s when the malware is released in your computer.
If you think something looks phishy, it likely is, and if you’re not sure, then look it up on Google. How does it look phishy? Sometimes the typos are the tip. With this email, the recipient probably never gets an email from ADP (if they use ADP) that looks exactly like this particular email. Be alert to subtle and not-so-subtle changes. Chances are you’re not the first person to get this particular scam, so research an email in a search engine before you open it.
Bottom line – keep your eyes out for the phisherman and don’t get caught!