Beware of Notary Scam Emails
Here are some helpful tips for recognizing legitimate versus fraudulent emails:
- Check the Sender's Email Address: Verify the sender's email address carefully. Scammers often use addresses that look similar to legitimate ones but may have slight variations.
- Look for Spelling and Grammar Mistakes: Legitimate organizations typically proofread their communications. Frequent spelling and grammatical errors can be a red flag.
- Beware of Urgent or Threatening Language: Scammers often use urgent language to pressure you into taking immediate action. Legitimate companies usually don't threaten or rush you.
- Check for Generic Greetings: Legitimate emails often address you by name, while fraudulent ones may use generic greetings like "Dear Customer."
- Verify Links Before Clicking: Hover over any links to see the actual URL. Fraudulent emails may contain links that lead to malicious websites.
- Be Cautious with Attachments: Be wary of opening attachments from unknown senders, as they may contain malware.
- Look for Official Logos and Branding: Check if the email includes official branding and logos, but be aware that scammers can sometimes mimic these elements.
- Contact the Organization Directly: If in doubt, contact the organization directly using contact information from their official website, not the information provided in the email.
- Check for Unusual Requests: Legitimate companies will not ask for sensitive information, such as passwords or social security numbers, via email.
- Your Instincts: If something feels off about the email, it's better to err on the side of caution and investigate further before taking any action.