When users receive an email – especially from someone they know, including a document or proposal for review from a trustworthy signature request platform, it may seem legitimate. Unfortunately, although it may look like it’s coming from a legit source, cybercriminals use spoofing techniques to trick readers into assuming it is safe to click on links, open attachments, etc.
Tips to Identify and Avoid Electronic Signature Request Phishing Scam Emails
1. If you don’t recognize the sender, don’t click on links or open attachments.
2. Check links by hovering your cursor over them to examine the URL before clicking on anything. This will tell you where the link truly goes, and if it doesn’t match up with the sender or what is expected, avoid it.
3. Generic greetings are often a red flag. For example, “Dear PandaDoc customer,”
4. Urgent action requested is another red flag. For example, the email may state that your account is in jeopardy, you need to update your information, etc immediately.
5. Bad grammar is often a sign to be suspicious of.
6. Not a secure site. HTTPS should appear before any website address requiring personal data. The “s” stands for secure, and your session is not secure if it isn’t there.
If you believe you’ve received a fake electronic signature request email, you can file a report by notifying the company it appears to come from. Most will have incident reporting info available on their websites.
As a company offering IT Solutions and IT Security, we take our client’s online safety seriously and understand how damaging cybercrime can be. Have questions about IT security or need support optimizing your technology environment? Contact us today!
Higher Information Group Office Locations:
- Danville, PA
- Elmira, NY
- Wilkes-Barre, PA
- Harrisburg, PA
