The reality is that more and more people still fall for fake emails and this is because hackers are also getting smarter on how they package such mails. Be that as it may, these 3 tips should help greatly help you in determining whether a mail is genuine or fake;
1. Observe the URL
The name you see when you receive a mail can be changed easily, but the url cannot be changed. If, for example, someone claims to be the MD of IMF, all you need to do is to check the other part of the email closely.
The point is that, if you receive any email asking you for any important details and it came from any of the free email services, then, you can be sure it is fake. While hackers can edit the “From” part of the email and use any name they want, you can spot the trick by checking the domain properly.
I must, however, point out that the fundamental reality is that, if you have no business with IMF, then, you should ignore any email claiming to be from them.
2. Test the Links
One of the things scammers do, is to always add a link that takes you out of your email because, they really cannot do much within that environment. Depending, therefore, on the game plan, they will either attach a malware to the link or send you to a website were you will be asked to enter your personal details.
To spot this trick in other emails, hover your cursor over the button or link. You will see the real link pop up after a few seconds. You could also right-click on the link, copy it and then paste it into a text document to see where it would really send you.
3. Look out for Grammatical Errors
One of the usual ways to spot fake emails is the sheer number of grammatical errors and chances are, that no credible organisation will send out emails with such errors. Even if you mistakenly fall for the 2 above, you should be able to detect this whenever you receive such emails.
Like I always say, your security online should be taken seriously and as Nigeria becomes a more tech-driven Nation, activities of hackers will be better felt than it was a few years ago. Always have one thing at the back of your mind, your email remains the primary way of attacking you online.
Stay safe online
