KNOWN CONTACTS SCAM EMAILS

Stay Alert: Scam Emails Masquerading as Trusted Contacts

Email remains a cornerstone of our daily communication, connecting us with colleagues, friends, and family.

Yet, this convenience also comes with risks, particularly from scam emails that appear to come from people you know. These deceptive emails often include a message claiming that a file has been shared with you.

The scam typically involves a link that seems to lead to a legitimate site,

such as Microsoft SharePoint or Dropbox. The link appears genuine, and when clicked, it directs you to what looks like an authentic login page. Many of us are accustomed to our browsers filling in our credentials automatically or our computers using saved tokens to sign us in, which only adds to the illusion of legitimacy.

However, what’s really happening behind this façade is deeply concerning. By clicking on the link, you may unwittingly grant cybercriminals access to your sensitive data.

Your passwords, tokens, and contact lists can be compromised,

all while you believe you’re simply accessing a regular service. The scam is particularly effective because the links aren’t outright fake—they point to actual services like SharePoint or Dropbox.

But they’ve been cleverly manipulated to serve malicious purposes.

Over the past few weeks, there’s been a noticeable increase in these types of attacks.

The best defence against this threat is a healthy dose of caution. If you receive an unexpected email with a shared file from someone you know, don’t take it at face value. Verify the legitimacy of the email by contacting the sender through another means, such as a phone call or text message.

In today’s digital landscape, staying alert is crucial. Don’t let the familiarity of an email lull you into a false sense of security. Always verify before you click, and keep your personal information safe from prying eyes.

Where to find more information

Loyal I.T. Solutions provides advice and implementation of the right hardware and software for your business. We are here to help. Please contact Loyal I.T. Solutions at 02 4337 0700 or reception@loyalit.com.au.