April Fool’s is fast approaching (where has this year gone?!?!?!), so it seems like a good time to review some phishing email tips so the joke isn’t on you.

Email is still the number one communication method, which makes it the perfect avenue for scammers and other malicious actors looking to get the highest return on their activities. One of the simplest methods for checking an email is called “SLAM”:

• Sender – look at the sender of the email address by hovering over the From: name. If the email address does not match the name, that is a red flag; also, are you expecting an email from this sender?
• Links – look at any links in the email by hovering over them. Are they pointing to something different than what the text in the email says? That is another red flag.
• Attachments – Are there any attachments, and if so, are you expecting this sender to send you a document or file?
• Message – look at the wording of the message in the email. Does the wording make it seem like a consequence is imminent if you do not act? Is it asking you to do something and not tell anyone else? These are both red flags.

Keep in mind that world events (like the recent bank collapses) and holidays (like April Fool’s and Easter) are often good disguises for malicious actors to send out emails. That link to a funny April Fool’s prank may not be from your friend or coworker and the joke might be on you, so keep an eye out!

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