How to Stay Safe from Suspicious Emails and Protect Your Online Presence

Suspicious emails have become a common threat to anyone using the internet. These messages often appear to come from trusted contacts or companies, but their real goal is to trick you into sharing personal information or clicking harmful links. If you receive emails claiming to be from me about issues with your website or meetings with Wix, be cautious. I do not send such messages or hold meetings with Wix. Staying alert and knowing how to handle suspicious emails can protect your online presence and personal data.

Suspicious email highlighted in inbox

Recognizing Suspicious Emails

Suspicious emails often share common traits that can help you identify them quickly:

• Unexpected messages from people or companies you don’t usually contact.

• Urgent language pushing you to act immediately, such as threats to suspend your account.

• Requests for personal information like passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers.

• Poor spelling and grammar that seem unprofessional.

• Email addresses that don’t match the sender’s name or official domain.

• Links or attachments that you weren’t expecting.

  
  

For example, if you get an email saying there is a problem with your website and it asks you to click a link or download a file, but you never had any contact with the sender before, this is a red flag. Always double-check the sender’s email address and avoid clicking links without verifying their source.

Why You Should Never Respond to Suspicious Emails

Responding to suspicious emails can put you at risk. When you reply, you confirm your email address is active, which can lead to more spam or phishing attempts. Some attackers use replies to gather more information about you or your business. If an email claims to be from me about website issues or Wix meetings, remember I do not send such emails. Instead of replying, contact me directly through known channels if you have any doubts.

How to Verify the Authenticity of an Email

Before taking any action, verify if the email is genuine:

• Check the sender’s email address carefully. Look for subtle misspellings or unusual domains.

• Contact the sender through a different method. Use a phone number or email address you trust, not the one provided in the suspicious message.

• Look for official announcements on the company’s website or social media channels.

• Use online tools to scan links or attachments for malware.

• Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking.

  
  

For example, if you receive an email that looks like it’s from Wix but the domain is something like "wix-support123.com," it is likely fake. Official Wix emails come from addresses ending with "@wix.com."

Steps to Take When You Receive a Suspicious Email

If you suspect an email is suspicious, follow these steps:

1. Do not click any links or download attachments.

2. Do not reply to the email.

3. Mark the email as spam or phishing in your email client.

4. Delete the email from your inbox and trash folder.

5. Report the email to your email provider or IT department if applicable.

6. Run a security scan on your device to check for malware.

7. Change your passwords if you think your account might be compromised.

   
   

If you receive suspicious emails claiming to be from me, please call me directly to confirm. This helps prevent misunderstandings and protects your information.

Protecting Your Online Presence Beyond Email

Email is just one way attackers try to access your information. Protect your online presence with these additional tips:

• Use strong, unique passwords for every account.

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.

• Keep your software and devices updated to fix security vulnerabilities.

• Be cautious about sharing personal information online.

• Regularly back up important data to a secure location.

• Educate yourself and your team about common cyber threats.

  
  

For example, enabling 2FA on your email and website accounts adds an extra layer of security. Even if someone gets your password, they will need a second code sent to your phone to log in.

What to Do If You Fall Victim to a Phishing Attack

If you accidentally click a link or provide information to a suspicious email, act quickly:

• Change your passwords immediately.

• Notify your bank or credit card company if financial information was shared.

• Inform your IT support or security team.

• Monitor your accounts for unusual activity.

• Consider reporting the incident to local authorities or cybercrime units.

  
  

Taking swift action can reduce the damage and help recover your accounts.

Staying Smart and Safe Online

The best defense against suspicious emails is awareness and caution. Remember, I do not contact clients about website issues or hold meetings with Wix. If you receive such emails, do not trust them without verification. Always verify suspicious messages, avoid clicking unknown links, and keep your security measures up to date.

By staying alert and following these guidelines, you can protect your online presence and avoid falling victim to scams.