How to Spot an E-mail Hoax

Spotting e-mail hoaxes or fraud is easy once you know the signs. For example, a good proportion of this sort of spam is generated from other countries. Here are some easy signs to tell if an e-mail is genuine.

Instructions

1. Check if your first or last name is on the e-mail. Watch out for letters addressed to "Dear Customer," "Dear Member" or any other salutation that indicates the sender doesn't know who you are.

2. Review the name of the sender and the subject line. If you don't recognize the name of the sender, don't open the e-mail. Try right-clicking your mouse on the sender's name. Most e-mail software will give you detailed information about the sender. Look to see if the sender's e-mail address is coming from another country or has an address that doesn't appear to come from a legitimate business.

3. Report suspicious e-mails immediately. Many people have received e-mails from well-known banks, credit card companies and online auction Web sites that include the correct logo and looks legitimate. All reliable companies have information about avoiding spam and an e'mail address where you can forward the suspicious e-mail.

4. Look for misspelled words and poorly written sentences. This is a sure sign that the spam is coming from another country or is not from a reputable business.

5. Avoid e-mails with subjects such as "Urgent Message" and "Account Closing." Reliable institutions will not contact you by e-mail if there is a serious problem with an account or your immediate attention is required. They will call you or write you a letter.

6. Do not update personal or credit card information in response to a request from an e-mail, no matter how legitimate it may seem. If you really believe the institution needs more information from you, call them. Providing information in response to an e-mail is a direct route to becoming a victim of identity theft.

7. Avoid clicking on a link. In most cases, clicking on a link just advises the perpetrators of the fraud that you are a "live one," meaning that your e-mail address is active and they can try to fool you again. The best way to stop an e-mail fraud campaign is to delete the e-mails immediately from your system without ever opening them.

Tips & Warnings

• Opt out of marketing offers. The fewer e-mails you receive, the less likely you are to become a hoax victim.