‘Blocked From Receiving Emails’ Phishing Scam [Explained]

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Phishing scams have become increasingly sophisticated and prevalent in recent years, targeting unsuspecting individuals and organizations with the aim of stealing sensitive information or spreading malware. One such scam that has gained traction is the ‘Blocked From Receiving Emails’ phishing scam. In this article, we will delve into what this scam entails, how it works, what to do if you have fallen victim, technical details, and statistics to support our points.

Scams

What is the ‘Blocked From Receiving Emails’ Phishing Scam?

The ‘Blocked From Receiving Emails’ phishing scam is a deceptive tactic employed by cybercriminals to trick individuals into divulging their email account credentials. The scam typically begins with the victim receiving an email notification claiming that their email account has been blocked from receiving new messages due to suspicious activity or a security breach. The email often appears to be from a legitimate email service provider, such as Gmail or Yahoo, and includes official-looking logos and branding to deceive the recipient.

The email urges the recipient to click on a link or download an attachment to verify their account and regain access to their email. However, these links and attachments are malicious and designed to capture the victim’s login credentials or install malware on their device.

How Does the Scam Work?

The ‘Blocked From Receiving Emails’ phishing scam relies on social engineering techniques to manipulate victims into taking action. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how the scam typically unfolds:

  1. The victim receives an email notification claiming their email account has been blocked from receiving new messages.
  2. The email appears to be from a trusted email service provider and includes official logos and branding.
  3. The email warns the recipient of potential security threats or suspicious activity on their account.
  4. The email instructs the recipient to click on a link or download an attachment to verify their account and regain access to their email.
  5. If the victim falls for the scam and clicks on the link or downloads the attachment, they are redirected to a fake login page that mimics the legitimate email service provider’s login page.
  6. The victim enters their email address and password on the fake login page, unknowingly providing their credentials to the scammers.
  7. The scammers now have access to the victim’s email account and can use it for various malicious purposes, such as sending spam emails, stealing personal information, or launching further phishing attacks.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim?

If you have fallen victim to the ‘Blocked From Receiving Emails’ phishing scam, it is crucial to take immediate action to minimize the potential damage. Here are the steps you should follow:

  1. Change your email account password: As soon as you realize you have been scammed, change your email account password to prevent further unauthorized access.
  2. Scan your device for malware: Run a thorough scan of your device using reliable antivirus software, such as Malwarebytes Free, to detect and remove any malware that may have been installed.
  3. Enable two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your email account to add an extra layer of security. This will require you to provide a second form of verification, such as a unique code sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password.
  4. Monitor your account activity: Keep a close eye on your email account for any suspicious activity, such as unauthorized login attempts or unfamiliar emails being sent from your account. Report any suspicious activity to your email service provider.
  5. Report the scam: Report the phishing scam to your email service provider and any relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local law enforcement agency. This can help in the investigation and prevention of similar scams.

Technical Details of the Scam

The ‘Blocked From Receiving Emails’ phishing scam utilizes various technical tactics to deceive victims and steal their credentials. Here are some key technical details of the scam:

  • Email spoofing: The scammers often use email spoofing techniques to make the email appear as if it is coming from a legitimate email service provider. They manipulate the email headers and sender information to trick the recipient.
  • Malicious links and attachments: The links and attachments included in the email are designed to redirect the victim to a fake login page or install malware on their device. These links and attachments may be disguised as legitimate files or documents.
  • Phishing kits: The scammers may utilize phishing kits, which are pre-packaged sets of tools and resources, to create convincing fake login pages that mimic the design and functionality of legitimate email service provider login pages.
  • Exploiting human psychology: The scammers exploit human psychology by creating a sense of urgency and fear in the email, urging the recipient to take immediate action to regain access to their email account.

Statistics on Phishing Scams

Phishing scams, including the ‘Blocked From Receiving Emails’ scam, continue to pose a significant threat to individuals and organizations worldwide. Here are some eye-opening statistics on phishing scams:

  • According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG), there were over 241,324 unique phishing attacks reported in the first quarter of 2023.
  • Phishing attacks cost businesses an estimated $1.8 billion in losses in 2022, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
  • Approximately 30% of phishing emails are opened by targeted individuals, according to a report by Verizon.
  • Phishing attacks are responsible for 90% of data breaches, according to a report by Proofpoint.

Summary

The ‘Blocked From Receiving Emails’ phishing scam is a deceptive tactic used by cybercriminals to trick individuals into revealing their email account credentials. This scam relies on social engineering techniques, email spoofing, and malicious links or attachments to deceive victims. If you have fallen victim to this scam, it is crucial to change your password, scan your device for malware, enable two-factor authentication, monitor your account activity, and report the scam

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

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    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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