3 minute read
Think Before You Click: Email Scams
BY MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM , DIRECTOR OF IT
Scammers are evolving, and we can no longer depend on fraudulent emails having typos or misspellings to alert us to their nature. Attacks are increasingly performed by criminal organizations using advanced tactics to get us to share sensitive information.
What Scammers Want
We can better identify a fraudulent email by understanding the criminal’s goals and remaining vigilant when taking action that could help them achieve those aims. Email scams attempt to:
Steal Personal and Financial Information
Phishing emails try to capture sensitive details like usernames, passwords, and banking information. This information is later used for identity theft or fraud. Be wary of links or attachments that ask for log-in credentials or sensitive information.
Install Malware or Ransomware
Scammers may embed links or attachments that, once clicked, install malware on our devices to steal data, monitor keystrokes, or lock files for ransom. Avoid downloading software or enabling macros from attachments.
Extort Money
Criminals impersonate friends or business associates to convince us to send money. In real estate, scammers often pose as title companies or escrow officers, claiming urgent last-minute payment changes. Their goal is to obtain quick, untraceable payments, often through wire transfers or prepaid cards.
Identify & Avoid Scams
A few simple things can help us identify many of the common scams.
Check the Sender’s Email Address
Scammers may fake the sender’s name but it’s far harder to mimic the actual email address. Hover over or click on the sender’s name to reveal the true address. Suspicious spellings or structures could also signal a scam.
Be Cautious with Links and Attachments
As a REALTOR®, we must be cautious with links and attachments in emails, particularly if they’re unexpected or from unknown contacts. Scammers target real estate professionals by including malicious links or files that, once clicked or downloaded, can install malware on your device or direct you to websites that steal sensitive information. Given the high volume of documents we deal with, it’s critical for us to stay vigilant and verify all unfamiliar attachments or links before opening them.
Watch for Urgent Language
Many scams rely on urgent language, calling for immediate action. In real estate, they may impersonate a title company or escrow officer, claiming there’s a lastminute change in payment instructions or additional fees required to finalize a property transaction. Be wary of any demand for unplanned fees or sudden payment changes.
Handling Scam Emails
If you have doubts about an email, pause and verify before acting. Contact the sender directly by phone (using a number not found in the email) or text to confirm they sent the message.
If it turns out to be fraudulent, don’t reply, click any links, or open attachments—this can signal to scammers that your email is active, increasing the risk of further attacks. Instead, mark the email as spam or phishing through your provider to help block malicious senders and protect your fellow REALTORS®.
