In the age of the internet, the use of the email has become mainstream. It is currently a widely used means of communication. However, it is necessary to keep in mind that using the email safely requires taking the precautions that allow you to confirm if incoming messages are trustworthy.
Though apparently legitimate, some emails that are circulating are forged and aim at infecting computers via attachments or links in them. It may even appear that they were sent from real addresses, and the attachments will seem harmless. In some cases, for credibility purposes, they use images and names that belong to real companies or entities or they may look like they are coming from your contact list.
Any access to infected attachments or links can cause all computer activities to be tracked, without the user knowing. Usually, the goal is to capture confidential information for later fraudulent use, in particular, banking details and user logins to online banking services.
Another possible consequence of gaining access to the content of these emails is that some of your personal files may be blocked.
In fact, there is malware that prevents the user from getting access to some files, and the only way to unblock them is by paying a ransom.
Be aware of some signs that may help you find fraudulent email. These emails:
- Usually use generic expressions such as "Dear Client" or "Dear Customer" and do not address recipients by their name;
- Often have spelling and grammar mistakes, and even expressions that are not widely used in Portuguese speech.
- The text attempts to induce recipients to act in a certain way, in particular: to reply to the message, access a link, run software or execute a set of instructions. To persuade the recipients, these messages create a sense of urgency, urging the recipients to take immediate action. Several pretexts are used: access to your account or your cards will expire; reference to a bank transaction or to a payment of an expense, among others;
- In most cases, the following information is asked:
- personal (identity card, tax payer card and mobile phone numbers);
- financial (numbers of accounts, debit and credit card numbers);
- access to a variety of sites, namely banking sites (login ID) and codes from Code Cards).
Be wary of any message that asks you for such information, even if appears to be genuine.
It is advisable to confirm with the sender that the message is genuine:
When you receive unsolicited emails with attachments or links, where such confirmation is possible.
If you are suspicious of an email. In this case, do not give any information or click on any links or files made available.
Learn how to protect yourself
Do not open, reply to or forward unsolicited email messages or about which you are in doubt, especially about their origin or content. Confirm with the sender that the email is genuine.
Never give out personal and/or financial details in response to requests via email.
Be very careful when opening files or follow links received via emails, type into the browser the address of the entity referred to in the email and navigate from there. Emails and their attachments (files or links) are often used to spread viruses, opening your computer to others’ use.
If you receive an email purported to be from BPI, you should keep this set of rules in mind. If these rules are not complied with, you may find yourself being scammed.
At present, the internet is taking over the job search process. Sometimes, fake job offers are posted on legitimate websites to obtain personal information or to induce job seekers to take part in fraudulent schemes.
These job offers are very attractive because they are high paying, no stress jobs. They are often advertised as complements to the main job of the candidates. It can be home based, and candidates must have access to a computer and/or mobile phone.
The function to be performed is often to receive transfers of amounts in a bank account and to transfer them to other accounts designated by the "employer" upon payment of a fee.
These transfers usually derive from activities of a criminal nature. In such cases, the advertised function is usually called "financial agent" or "financial manager”.
Protect yourself from fake job offers
If you get a job offer like the one described above, we recommend you not to cooperate in any way and immediately report these facts to the police.
Do not reply to any offer asking for details about your bank account. Do not open a bank account or give out your account to receive monies whose origin you do not know, and never switch money, at the request of a third party, to a recipient that you do not know.