Beware of Emails That Look Like They Came From District Leadership
Cybercriminals sometimes send phishing emails that appear to come from a trusted person, such as a friend, colleague, or Rotary leader. They may even use my name in the "From" line. However, the email is not actually from me.
Here is the easiest way to protect yourself:
Always check the email address, not just the name.
A phishing email might display:
Gretchen Bren
but when you look at the actual email address, it could be something completely different, such as:
gretchenbren123@gmail.com
or
rotary5650-info@randomdomain.com
or
rotary5650-info@randomdomain.com
If the email did not come from my correct email address (Gretchen.Bren@RotaryDistrict5650.org or through Club Runner), treat it with caution.
Other Warning Signs
- Requests for gift cards, money, or urgent financial help
- Unexpected links or attachments
- Messages creating a sense of urgency or secrecy
- Poor grammar or unusual wording
- Requests for passwords or personal information
When in Doubt
If you receive a suspicious email that appears to be from me, do not click any links or open attachments. Instead, contact me using a phone number or email address you already know is correct and verify the message directly.
A few seconds of checking can prevent fraud, identity theft, and malware infections. When it comes to email, trust the address, not just the name.