Here is another scam / spam email to watch out for.
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From: Skype no-reply <skype-noreply@skype.com>
Reply-To: <finegirl_13_2002@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2008 01:43:11 -0800
To: <forms@solve-the-web.co.uk>
Subject: Please Update Your Billing Information
Dear Skype Customer!
In order to update your billing information, please sign in
to your Skype account at https://secure.skype.com/store/member/login.html?message=login_required <http://secure.skype.com.6b8×45.cn/member/Login/> ,
and update your billing information.
Thank you for choosing Skype.
Sincerely,
The Skype Team.
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This message was sent from a notification-only email address that does
not accept incoming email. Please do not reply to this message.
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It’s very clever because the URL that it displays is the genuine Skype address. However, the link actually drives you to the fake site. You wouldn’t necessarily notice this as when it arrives in your inbox, all you see is the genuine URL as blue and underlined – not realising it’s linking to a different place altogether.
The advice this brings up is that you should always hover over a link before clicking on it. If you do that the actual destination address is displayed and you should check (and double-check) that its going to a trusted source.
Other things that indicate its a scam / spam:
- It says ‘Dear Skype Customer’. If it was really Skype they’d know your username.
- The Reply-To address is obviously not Skype, even though the ‘From’ address looks genuine. Set your email client to display the ‘Reply To’ addresses.
- It’s been sent to an email address that I don’t use for accounts – its been harvested off my website
- It’s common knowledge that companies do not ask you to log in to ‘update your account’ information. Always, always ignore this instruction. If you think it might be a genuine request, then go to the website yourself (not following the link) and login as usual.
- If there is ever any doubt, search the Internet you will soon see if it is a scam / spam email.
The trouble is, these emails are getting better and better at emulating a genuine email message, so you have to be extra vigilant at all times.
If you need any support or advice on emails then do contact the Solve the Web technical team on support@solve-the-web.co.uk or 01491 836367.
Regards,
Cat
Solve the Web
www.solve-the-web.co.uk
01491 836367
