1. Generic greetings.
Many spoofed emails start with a generic greeting, such as: "Dear member." If you do not see your first and last name, be suspicious and do not click on any links or buttons.
2. A fake sender's address.
A spoofed email may include a forged email address in the "From" field. This field is easily altered. Just because the “From” field appears to be legitimate, the message very well may be a spoof.
3. A false sense of urgency.
Many spoofed emails try to deceive you with the threat that your account is in jeopardy if you don't update it soon. They may also state that an unauthorized transaction has recently occurred on your account, or claim accounts are undergoing an urgent update and that your information is needed to complete the update.
4. Fake links – DON’T CLICK THEM.
Always check where a link is going before you click. Move your mouse over it and look at the URL in your browser or email status bar. A fraudulent link is dangerous. If you click on one, it could:
* Direct you to a spoofed website that tries to collect your personal data.
* Install Spyware on your system. Spyware is an application that can enable a hacker to monitor your actions and steal any passwords or credit card numbers you type online.
* Cause you to download a virus that could disable your computer.
5. Emails that appear to be websites.
Some emails will look like a website in order to get you to enter personal information. We will never ask for your personal information in an email.
6. Deceptive URLs.
Only enter your YouDeparted password on YouDeparted pages. These begin with http://www.youdeparted.com/
* If you see an @ sign in the middle of a URL, there's a good chance this is a spoofed. Legitimate companies use a domain name (e.g. http://www.company.com).
* Even if a URL contains the word "YouDeparted," it may not be a YouDeparted site. Examples of deceptive URLs include: www.youdeparted1.com, www.you-departed.com, www.secure-youdeparted.com, and www.youdepartedcom.com.
* Always log in to YouDeparted by opening a new web browser and typing in the following: http://www.youdeparted.com/
* Never log in to PayPal® from a link in an email
7. Misspellings and bad grammar.
Spoofed emails often contain misspellings, incorrect grammar, missing words, and gaps in logic. Mistakes also help fraudsters avoid spam filters. Any email you receive from us will be well written and free of mistakes.
8. Something seems fishy.
If you ever have the slightest instinct that something is a little bit weird about an email or site, do not ignore that instinct. Closely check everything before you go any further.
9. Pop-up boxes.
YouDeparted will never use a pop-up box in an email as pop-ups are not secure.
10. Attachments.
Like fake links, attachments are frequently used in spoofed emails and are dangerous. Never click on any attachment. It could cause you to download spyware or a virus. YouDeparted will never email you an attachment or a software update to install on your computer.