"Email Spoofing" is a form of hacking where the email "header code" is manipulated to make it look like the email originated from a known sender, when it actually originates from the hacker.

This manipulation makes it more likely that you, the recipient, will reply to a request for bank account information, a wire transfer, or other funds transfer.

Here is an example of what a "spoofing" email might look like:

However, depending on what email program you use, the sender's actual email address may not be displayed.  In this case, you need to mouse of the sender's name to reveal the actual sender email address.

 

Hackers use programs to comb through the internet and harvest email addresses en masse. Such programs scan for webpages having an @ symbol, since all email addresses have a format similar to username@emailhost.com.

Your members' emails are already protected, as they can only be accessed via member login.

However, your "Officer's list", which includes either user emails or alias emails, is still vulnerable because it is publicly displayed.

As a result, I have created code that restricts the viewing of your Officer List to LOGGED IN MEMBERS ONLY. This new function is named "Suppress Officer List".

You can enable this function on your ACCOUNT INFO >>> FUNCTIONS page or, alternatively, email me with your request to enable this function.

Instead, you must exercise discipline when reading ALL your incoming emails:

Here are some suggestions on ways to identify these email spoofs:

• Check the "from" email and name.  Very often, they don't match.  But beware, sometimes they do match!
• Be suspicious!  Any email requesting funds or having anything to do with financial matters should be deleted immediately.
• View the source code to determine the true origination of the email.

If you suspect that an email is not authentic, you should:

• NEVER click a link or open an attachment from an unknown source.
• NEVER reply to these emails.
• Add a spam filter to your email program that filters words like "bank", "wire" "transfer" and "funds"
• Regularly scan your computer for Malware. I use Malwarebytes.com

I am initiating global filters for all my client email servers that can reduce the incidence of these email spoofs.  However, there is no assurance that I can delete them entirely.

Please see this page on my website for more information about email spoofing.

Whenever you receive what you suspect is a spoofing email, please forward to me.

Regards,

Joe