![Friendly Reminder: Beware of Phishing Emails](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2018/11/RS5082_147292100.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Friendly Reminder: Beware of Phishing Emails
If you use the internet, by now we hope that you are aware of what "phishing" is, and how to avoid becoming a victim.
A phishing email is an attempt, by scammers, to secure personal information.
Phishing emails usually contain 3 key items:
- They appear to come from a trusted source
- They contain information about a problem
- They give you a limited time to respond and solve the "problem"
For instance, the latest phishing email I received was the one pictured below:
1. "Trusted Source" - it looks like the email may have come from the Department of Transportation.
2. "Problem" - the email claims that traffic cameras recorded me committing a violation.
3. "Limited Time to Respond" - The email provides a link for me to pay the fine online before October 15th.
If I were to click the link to pay the fine, a website that appears to be legitimate would pop up to ask me for my credit card number and other personal information that the scammer would then use to enrich himself.
The reason these scams still exist is that people still fall for them. Until we can all be educated on spotting these scams, scammers gonna scam.
If you receive an email that you might think is legitimate, take a second to call the agency sending the email to safeguard yourself from getting scammed. Do NOT call a number provided in the email; look it up yourself.
The Federal Trade Commission has a great webpage that deals with scams like these. Read up, learn up, and don't become a victim.
Seven Things You Hate To Spend Money On
More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL
![Received a Text About Outstanding Tolls in Louisiana? It’s a Scam](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2022/05/attachment-Phone-Scam-Artur-Digital-Team-Thinkstock.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Texas Woman ‘Romances’ Man Out of Over $1 Million](http://townsquare.media/site/182/files/2021/08/attachment-GettyImages-826374968.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![There’s a Text Scam Targeting Louisiana Residents, Wiping Out Bank Accounts](http://townsquare.media/site/166/files/2022/01/attachment-RS20493_GettyImages-949457754-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![New Social Security Scam Could Soon Hit Citizens in Louisiana, Texas](http://townsquare.media/site/166/files/2022/01/attachment-RS20493_GettyImages-949457754-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Scam Alert: Be On The Lookout For This New Scam On The Rise in Louisiana and Texas](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/02/attachment-Scam-Alert-with-Magnifying-Glass-Photo-courtesy-of-Carlos_bcn-Thinkstock.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![How Do I Unsubscribe From Email Lists? Here’s a Tip](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2020/06/RS12373_482483864.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Phishing Sites Creating Realistic Ads Online, Lafayette Man Says](http://townsquare.media/site/29/files/2017/06/143339829.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Netflix Free One-Year Subscription COVID-19 Scam](http://townsquare.media/site/442/files/2020/07/Netflix.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Don’t Fall for the COVID-19 Treatment Scam!](http://townsquare.media/site/181/files/2020/03/COVID-19-and-Scams.jpg?w=980&q=75)