What is Spoofing? – And Why You Should Be Alert.

Spoofing is a type of online scam where cybercriminals trick people into believing that they are receiving a legitimate message from a trusted source, such as an email from Schools Federal Credit Union. These messages often contain malicious links or attachments that, if clicked, can install malware or steal personal information.

It’s important to be cautious when receiving emails, especially if you weren’t expecting to receive one or if the sender’s email address looks suspicious. Here are some tips to protect yourself from spoofing:

  • Verify the sender’s identity: If you receive an email from someone you don’t know, do some research to confirm that the sender is who they claim to be.
  • Don’t click on unfamiliar links: If you receive an email with a link that you weren’t expecting, don’t click on it. Instead, hover your mouse over the link to see where it will take you. If the link looks suspicious, don’t click on it.
  • Be wary of urgent or threatening messages: Cybercriminals often try to create a sense of urgency or fear to get people to act quickly. If an email includes a threat or urges you to take immediate action, be extra careful before responding.
  • Use caution when downloading attachments: If you receive an email with an attachment, be sure to scan it for viruses before opening it. If you’re not expecting an attachment, be especially cautious.

Following these tips can help protect yourself from spoofers (the bad guys) and other types of online scams. And remember, if you are ever in doubt about the validity of a message being received from Schools Federal Credit Union, please call us at (866) 459-2345.