Police warn about email spoofing scam

Do not respond
Do not click any links
Do not download attachments
Report the email as phishing or spam through your email provider
Delete the email
If you have clicked a suspicious link or disclosed personal information, take immediate steps to secure your accounts by:
Changing compromised passwords through legitimate websites or applications
Contacting your financial institution if banking or payment information may have been exposed

To further protect yourself, Lethbridge Police are reminding residents to:

Look closely at the sender’s email address

Do not rely solely on the name displayed in your inbox
Examine the full email address for misspellings, unusual characters or domains that do not match the organization or individual the sender claims to represent
Remember that even email addresses that appear legitimate can be spoofed

Be cautious of unexpected sales opportunities

Scammers often create urgency by claiming items must be sold quickly because of an estate settlement, relocation or financial hardship
Be wary of unsolicited offers involving vehicles, equipment, collectibles or other high-value items

Watch for high-pressure tactics

Fraudsters frequently claim there are multiple interested buyers or insist a deposit is required immediately to secure an item
Legitimate sellers will allow reasonable time for questions and verification

Never send money without confirming legitimacy

Avoid sending e-transfers, deposits or other payments until you have verified the seller’s identity and inspected the item whenever possible
Be especially cautious when asked to send money before viewing an item in person

Trust your instincts

If something about an email seems unusual, even if it appears to come from someone you know, stop and verify its authenticity through another trusted method of communication before taking any action

Anyone who has lost money or experienced identity theft as a result of an email spoofing scam is encouraged to contact the Lethbridge Police Service at 403-328-4444 to file a report.

by LNN Staff

Police warn about email spoofing scam

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