Learn how a fake Punchbowl invitation email spreads malware and hot to spot and avoid this phishing scam.
In this week’s scam, you receive an email invitation that appears to be from Punchbowl, a popular website for sending digital greeting cards and party invites. The email includes an invitation to an event and instructs you to select a link to see more details. It might even include a note suggesting you open it on a laptop or desktop computer for the best experience.
However, this is actually a phishing scam! The email is not really from Punchbowl, and you haven’t actually been invited to anything. If you select the link in the email, it will download malware, or malicious software, onto your device. This software can give cybercriminals control of your device and let them steal your private information!
Tips to Stay Safe
Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to this phishing scam:
- Check the sender’s email address. If the invite comes from a personal email account or a strange-looking web address, it is not a real Punchbowl invitation.
- Beware of odd requests, like being told to open an invitation on a specific device. Hackers often use these instructions to bypass security and install malware.
- Always use caution if you receive an unexpected email, especially if it instructs you to select a link. If you receive a suspicious email, be sure to report it!
Stop. Look. Think. And don’t be fooled.
Tips of the Week Brought to You By Our Partners at KnowBe4
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