Dear User,


The email you have received is not an actual Hack. This is a common online scam called Phishing or Spoofing. A Hacker will send you a persuasive email in attempt to steal your personal information or remotely access your computer.


How do I identify Phishing & Spoofing Emails?

  • Phishing emails may contain hyperlinks to suspicious websites or URLs.

  • They may also contain attachments with ransomware, malware, and other

    viruses. Most file types can carry these viruses with the exception of .txt files

  • They often present a sense of urgency, such as a great deal or giveaway.

  • They can refer to you as a “valued customer” without mentioning your name.

    Phishers, after all, don’t know who you are.

  • They usually contain spelling and grammatical errors, a strange sent time, or

    an irrelevant subject line.

  • Most are sent by addresses you aren’t familiar with, however keep in mind

    thieves can sometimes forge the identity of friends, family or coworkers.

  • Spoofing is a fake email that appears to be sent from a familiar address.

  • Some Phishing emails may try to convince you that your computer has been

    compromised or that you’ve been caught browsing adult content.

  • They sometimes pretend to be an IT support company in order to gain

    remote access.


How can I prevent Phishing or Spoofing? Can the IT Department help me?

  • Like many types of phishing attacks, you can’t prevent some malicious emails from entering your inbox. They’re common junk mail. You certainly can learn to recognize what’s right from wrong and what to do when you’re at risk.

  • Be smart. Major organizations will never ask for your personal information directly through an email. They will more likely than not offer some form of verification in the email itself too, such as an account number.

  • If in doubt, verify with the sender to ensure the communication is genuine.

  • Always contact the IT Department if you are unsure about an email.

  • Ask the IT Department to block the offending sender in the SPAM filter.


What should I do if think I’ve received a Phishing or Spoofing attempt?

  • Do not open any attachments or click any links. Check the URL for any hyperlinks and determine whether or not the site it leads to is fraudulent.

  • Immediately contact IT and report the issue. Forward the offending message.

  • Never allow anyone Remote Access unless it is your trusted IT Department.

  • If you have opened a document or clicked a link, inform the IT Department

    and reset your passwords immediately.


  1. 415-741-0101 [email protected]