‘Email Termination Has Been Processed’ Phishing Scam [Explained]

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Scammers are constantly finding new ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals and steal their personal information. One such scam that has been on the rise is the ‘Email Termination Has Been Processed’ phishing scam. This scam targets individuals who use email services and aims to trick them into revealing sensitive information or downloading malicious software.

Scams

What is the ‘Email Termination Has Been Processed’ Phishing Scam?

The ‘Email Termination Has Been Processed’ phishing scam is an attempt by scammers to trick individuals into believing that their email account is about to be terminated. The scammers send out emails that appear to be from the individual’s email service provider, such as Gmail or Yahoo, informing them that their account will be terminated due to a violation of the terms of service.

The email typically includes a sense of urgency, stating that the termination will occur within a specified timeframe unless the individual takes immediate action. The scammers then provide a link or attachment that the individual is instructed to click on or download in order to prevent the termination of their account.

How Does the Scam Work?

Once the individual clicks on the link or downloads the attachment, they are directed to a fake website that closely resembles the login page of their email service provider. The website prompts the individual to enter their email address and password to verify their account and prevent the termination.

Unbeknownst to the individual, the scammers are capturing the login credentials entered on the fake website. With this information, the scammers can gain unauthorized access to the individual’s email account, allowing them to steal personal information, send spam emails, or even perpetrate identity theft.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim

If you have fallen victim to the ‘Email Termination Has Been Processed’ phishing scam, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect your personal information and secure your email account. 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. Choose a strong, unique password that includes a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
  2. Enable two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication for your email account if it is available. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a verification code in addition to your password when logging in.
  3. Scan your device for malware: Run a scan with a reputable antivirus software, such as Malwarebytes Free, to check for any malware or malicious software that may have been downloaded onto your device.
  4. Review your account activity: Check your email account for any suspicious activity, such as unauthorized emails sent from your account or changes to your account settings. If you notice anything unusual, report it to your email service provider immediately.
  5. Update your security settings: Review and update your email account’s security settings to ensure that they are set to the highest level of protection. This may include enabling email encryption, setting up email filters, or blocking suspicious email addresses.
  6. Be cautious of future emails: Moving forward, be vigilant when receiving emails that claim your account is in danger of being terminated. Always verify the legitimacy of the email by contacting your email service provider directly through their official website or customer support channels.

Technical Details of the Scam

The ‘Email Termination Has Been Processed’ phishing scam relies on social engineering techniques to deceive individuals. The scammers carefully craft their emails to appear legitimate, using the branding and logos of popular email service providers to gain the trust of their targets.

They often use urgency and fear tactics to pressure individuals into taking immediate action, such as threatening to permanently delete their email account or warning of legal consequences if they fail to comply. These tactics aim to bypass the individual’s critical thinking and make them more likely to fall for the scam.

The scammers also create fake websites that closely resemble the login pages of legitimate email service providers. They use techniques such as domain spoofing and SSL certificates to make the websites appear secure and trustworthy. This further convinces individuals to enter their login credentials without suspicion.

Statistics on Phishing Scams

Phishing scams, including the ‘Email Termination Has Been Processed’ scam, continue to be a significant threat to individuals and organizations worldwide. Here are some statistics that highlight the prevalence and impact of phishing scams:

  • According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), phishing was the most reported cybercrime in 2020, with over 241,000 complaints received.
  • A report by Verizon found that 36% of data breaches involved phishing attacks.
  • In a survey conducted by Proofpoint, 85% of organizations reported being targeted by phishing attacks in 2020.
  • The Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) reported a 22% increase in phishing websites in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the previous quarter.

Summary

The ‘Email Termination Has Been Processed’ phishing scam is a deceptive tactic used by scammers to trick individuals into revealing their email account login credentials. By posing as email service providers and creating a sense of urgency, scammers aim to bypass individuals’ critical thinking and gain unauthorized access to their accounts.

If you have fallen victim to this scam, it is crucial to take immediate action by changing your password, enabling two-factor authentication, and scanning your device for malware. Additionally, be cautious of future emails claiming your account is in danger of termination and always verify their legitimacy.

Phishing scams, including the ‘Email Termination Has Been Processed’ scam, continue to pose a significant threat. It is essential to stay informed, remain vigilant, and take proactive measures to protect yourself and your personal information from falling into the hands of scammers.

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.

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    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.

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    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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