Unexpected and untrustworthy links in emails  [04.03.24]

Please treat unexpected and untrustworthy content in e-mails that contain links to external websites with healthy skepticism.

The following points can help you to recognize untrustworthy e-mails and links:

1.  Check the sender:
   Always carefully check the sender of the email and its content before clicking on a link. Take particular care with emails from unknown senders that contain unexpected attachments or links.
2. Check the content of the e-mail:
   Check the content of the email for spelling mistakes, grammatical errors or unusual wording. Untrustworthy emails can often be identified by such features.
3. Use link preview:
   Many email programs allow you to preview a link without actually opening it. Check the link by moving the mouse over it (without clicking). This can help you to recognize a suspicious or fraudulent Internet address behind a link.
4. Check the trustworthiness of the link:
   If the link leads to a website, check the web address carefully. Be suspicious if the Internet address looks unusual or abusive (e.g. if it contains misspelled letters or special characters). Attackers use legitimate Internet address shortening services (e.g. bit.ly, tinyurl.com, is.gd) to disguise the true destination of the link. Use a 'phishing link checker', these 'phishing web address checkers' will detect if a web address is malicious or contains a phishing link.
5. Assess urgency:
   Be skeptical of emails that require urgent action, such as immediately opening a link or downloading an attachment. Attackers often use pressure tactics to provoke rash actions.

If you take the above points into account, you will significantly reduce the risk of account theft.

Thank you for your attention and cooperation.

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