Got An Email From The CIA Trouble On The Horizon No Way It's Spam
Just received an email from the CIA, ( Central Inteligence Agency ) I didn't realize that I was so famous thought that I was flying under the radar, " little old me ".
Obviously spam, still really annoyed.
Why annoyed?
Because it is the nastiness, the threatening and blackmailing overtones of the content, a lot of folks would be taken aback and shocked.
If the CIA had an office in my little "rust belt town ", I would have been tempted to fly on over and that " Viking gene " would have been running at full noise.
Deep breathing and the realization, that this email was not the only spam email to land in the inbox, made things a little easier to view.
On reflection, I have been very lucky overall, given the industry that we are involved in, it is not a matter of if, but a matter of when the spammers come knocking.
As you can see from the image, some folks up to no good, doing their bad boy and bad girl stuff. The idea is to not pay them any attention what so ever.
Spam doesn't worry me, ( like it used to), what concerns me the most is, is that some folks get taken in by it and the simple act of clicking to open that email can open up a whole heap of heartache.
The number one rule,
Never, ever, ever, open an email that has arrived with an attachment from an entity that you don't know or were not expecting to receive.
Rule number two,
Hit, the delete button and send that email straight to spam or the trash bin, and set some rules so that email is wiped when you log out.
If it is important then the folks trying to get hold of you will get hold of you.
Better to be safe than sorry.
Rule number 3
If in doubt never open the email just flick it off, don't even waste any of your precious time on it.
Rule number 4
Never stay signed in to your email account/accounts.
There are plenty more and you may be able to chime in feel free!
A Confession,
I am a little tardy when it comes to security.
Note to self " get it sorted and tidy up your act Alex".
Would really like to know some of your thoughts or actions you take to stay safe out there?
Background.
I created two site related email addresses using the web mail here in WA. Haven't subscribed to any email lists or used them to send emails other than tests both receiving and sending.
I can understand that support@ or admin@ email addresses would have a certain vulnerability associated with them.
For spammers that would be a good place to start for any site related email.
So I am a little curious, scraped the site and was unable to come up with any email addresses, (sounding like a spammer, scrapping for emails), research only.
Not really sure of the how's what is important is the what to do's
- With the Web mail, you can not just send an email straight to spam and from the looks, their doesn't seem to be any filters that can be set.
- If you get a dodgy email don't open it.
- Right click, to highlight the email.
- Select delete from the drop down.
- Delete.
- This will send the email to trash ( you still have to delete it).
Another option is to,
- Left click to highlight the email.
- Just drag it to the appropriate folder SPAM
- Release the mouse and the email will be in the spam folder.
Another good option.
- Go to settings in. your webmail inbox
- Check the option to delete trash on logging out.
- Or delete trash automatically.
- Save settings.
Easy.
Some tips to keep you safe out their partners,
- Try to avoid opening spam emails and clicking on links in spam messages.
- Don't be tempted to reply, they have you in their grips
- Don't threaten the spammer, keep your "Viking gene" under control.
- Avoid 'unsubscribe' options, don't engage in any way.
- Be wary about giving out your main email address.
If you want to take things further.
The Federal Trade Commission can be a good place to start,
https://www.ftc.gov/faq/consumer-protection/submit-consumer-complaint-ftc
To make a complaint send by email to
- Be sure to include the compliant, "spam email ".
- Your email provider.
- At the top of the message, state that you're complaining about being spammed. ...
- The sender's email provider.
Spam is but one of the risks for everyone, in the online marketing world we are probably more exposed than most, what counts at the end of the day is how we manage the risks, and when trouble comes a knocking per usual it is what we do about it.
If you start receiving spam emails and do not feel comfortable dealing with it especially if you are using Web mail then reach out, even get hold of site support.
Strength in numbers after all, as a community we do not have the time for rubbish like this.
Stay safe.
Note;please read
This relates to the webmail here in WA, I have used it successfully for a number of years without complaints or any issues. Spammers are always out there the idea is to not.
Freak,
Peak,
With Spam doing nothing is not an option.
Just calmly deal with it and become aware, moving forward put things in place to protect your assets and look out for each other.
Alex Evans.
Recent Comments
72
Hi Tim, you are most welcome, indeed it is, in these modern times, there has been a shift online by the less savory types amongst to prey on the hard-working folks.
I don't think that it will ever stop, but becoming aware and taking appropriate action can keep us safe.
Alex
Hi Alex, thanks so much for this really useful advice, the most important part for me ... Don't be tempted to peak! I manage not to, but it's always a temptation 'just in case' I miss something?
My brain knows it would be crazy to open the email, although I think I have been too scared of possible consequences to actually get myself into trouble so far! Have a productive week, Sue :)
Hi Sue, good to see you I hope that your journey goes well.
FOMO is a real thing, that fear of missing out can be a powerful driver, in this case, we can do ourselves a big favor by not peaking.
Thanks for sharing I am sure that there will be a lot of members that can relate to your thoughts and actions.
It can be so tempting, better to pass on by.
Thanks for the kind wishes, and the same to you, it is going to be one of my biggest weeks ever so hanging on for the ride.
Alex
hey, Alex got that one or similar four years ago
and yes your advice it's of imperative importance:
great and useful post!
have a good Day
Hi Pietro, I had heard about emails such as these ones but had never come across them, it can be a bit disconcerting and I could imagine more than a few folks being taken aback, it does tip over towards blackmail.
The key is to treat them with the respect that they deserve, delete.
It seems to be a growing problem.
Thank you for stopping by.
Alex
yes, it's a growing problem,
well the Digital World is not much different than the real one!
there's good and bad we just need to be aware of it,
have a good Day Alex
Pietro
Well said, Pietro, that is true indeed, and being involved in online marketing we probably have more exposure than most folks, I guess that it comes with the territory.
Alex.
Great post Alex. I have three web emails and only one gets any, the other two actually don't get any mail, a little sad but hey ho. As for deleting, if you hold 'Ctrl' down while highlighting you can 'bulk' highlight and delete all in one go. Saves a bit of time.
Hi Twack, I think it can be a thing that builds as we go, I have a couple of burner emails used to sign up to all and sundry, the spam folder is the most popular place for incoming mail, G mail does a good job sifting the chaff from the straw.
Thanks for sharing that tip, much appreciated.
Alex
You're welcome and yes, the spam box is very popular these days. I did go through a stage of 'unsubscribing' but it's like trying to block a sieve, so I just delete 'en masse' now.
Classic I know that one, the bright test for a hardcore spammer is that there is no unsubscribe button.
One of the things that amazes me is that when you go to unsubscribe it is not from one list but many from the same marketer.
The funny thing is that usually, you have only ever signed up to one list, so how do you get on three or four, folks doing dodgy stuff that is how.
I like your train of thought, delete "en masse ".
Hi Bob, glad that you found some value, you are most welcome, and thank you for stopping by.
Alex
Some valuable tips here on how to stay secure.
I get voice mails nearly everyday from the IRS and the Social Security Administration saying that a lawsuit has been filed in my name. And I should call this number to talk to an agent, otherwise an arrest warrant will be issued.
What I find laughable, is that the same quivering voice is used each time. I am sure it is the same recording the scammers think will scare people into calling.
For the fun of it I called and told the person to stop calling me or I will report them to the FBI. They hung up. The Government needs to train their agents not to hang up on people lol.
Interestingly I only get these messages on my land line. Not on mobile.
Does anyone else get messages like that?
Hi, Edwin thank you for joining the conversation much appreciated.
You have hit the nail on the head with your comment, the next wave of spamming is going to be via voice.
That was an awesome response, nothing like going on the front foot, usually throws them off course.
I have noticed an increase in spam calls, on mobile, the beauty of mobile is you can block callers, both text and voice.
Alex
Oh I get my share of spam calls on my cell phone. But not yet from fake Government sources. I have blocked numbers. But they get back using a new one. Same group. I have a policy now where I never answer my phone if I do not recognize the number. If it is important, I expect them to leave me a message. And I return the call after I check my messages.
It is a shame that we can't be as spontaneous like before. But that's how it goes.
Cheers.
Edwin
I had been quite rude to these calls in the past now when they call and say "I'm Joe Blow from the IRS" I hang up right there. None have ever called back immediately so I know it's bogus.
Hi Billy, good to see you hope the journey is going well.
You are most welcome hope that you find this post useful.
Thank you Alex, these spammers are clever, and as you say the best thing to do is to ignore them totally and delete and delete.
Denise.
I have to agree, with you, Denise, they are clever or just folks with too much time on their hands, so just want to annoy hard working folks.
I like the sound of that and the best way to deal with it.
Delete, delete, delete.
Alex
See more comments
Good article, Alex. I've started reporting about all of them as phishing emails to the Feds. Probably 15 or more per day, 7 days a week. Sunday is the lightest day. I guess the spammers are in church. lol
I use a throw away email address when signing up for newsletters, anything on Craigslist (tons of con artist there) to give them a chance to prove they're legit before changing my email address to my main account or filtering them to the trash/delete bin.
My phone is about as bad. I never answer it and had to install a call blocker so the phone isn't ringing nonstop all day. If you want to talk to me on the phone, you have to leave a message or be on the Permitted Callers list. I get at least 10 spam calls a day. It burns me up that I have to pay for the phone but can't use it as I normally would due to all the garbage calls. grrrrrrr
I've tried changing my cell number, using Google Voice, but within a week I'm right back where I was before with regard to volume of bogus calls.
One caution, never, EVER put your primary phone number on Craig's List or anything like that. Get and use a Google Voice number if you feel like you need to talk to them directly. There's more phishing going on CL than fishing in the ocean!
I also have an annual contract with company that goes in and checks my system every few months to keep my computer in top running shape. It's amazing to me that no matter how careful I am, I still end up with viruses and Trojans that worm their way in. One of the hazards of being online I suppose. The service is only $150 a year and they keep my machine is top notch running condition.
Hi Kc, thank you for stopping by and joining the conversation and thank you for your tips and advice, much appreciated
That is such a classic, where ever people hang out online the spammers and scammers try to move on in.
It is interesting that you have brought up the phone, voice and call spam is becoming huge, apparently some of the sweatshops use auto dialers, so they are just continually calling numbers until someone picks up.
It is becoming crazy out there.
The rule of engagement guard your primary, email, and phone number, which can be hard given the industry that we are in.
I have taken to separating things so that they are business and personal a rule that works well in most cases.
Thanks for the heads up about Craigs List.
You have raised a very valid point we all need to keep on our radars, computers, and devices do need to be maintained, it is something that is easy to overlook as technology stat to wraps its self around our lives.
Alex