Never click on any unsolicited email link

I received a pretty good phishing attack claiming to be from Chase in January. It really made me look twice and wonder about it. There were signs it was illegitimate, but it was still very well done. The biggest signal was it start out: Dear Customer: instead of using my account number or name. But, I thought, if their database or Equifax was hacked, someone could have had my account number and I might have fallen for it.

Me! I'm really good at spotting phishing attacks. If something could almost fool me, no one is safe. So, how can we always be sure to NEVER fall for any email phishing scam?

The foolproof secret!

Never click on any unsolicited email link, ever.

That does it. If your bank sends you a notice that your statement is ready, or PGE sends an email telling you it is time to pay your bill and asks you to click the link to pay. Don't do it.

Open KeePass if it isn't already open and use the URL there or in your bookmarks and log in. Never click on any unsolicited email link, ever.

In case you missed it, last June I wrote an article explaining a great way to work directly out of KeePass when logging in, and even did a video about it.

What if I know the sender?

How do you know you know the sender? Anyone can put an phony return address on an email just like you can put a phony return address on a regular letter. Furthermore, sometimes people's computers get infected with a virus which will send out an email link to everyone in that victim's address book.

How about when I send links?

When you send links to people, help them know they are legitimate. Refer to your previous discussion. Describe something that will help the receiver know it is really from you and not part of a mass attack. Do not simply send the link. So instead of just sending a link, say something like, "We talked about climate change Friday, and I know you're interested. I thought you'd like this take on it." Or, "Here are pictures from our vacation in Mexico."

Happy avoidance.

Date: February 2018

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