Phishing attacks are on the rise and evolving every day. Thus, it appears that some households of CHOA received an email requesting funds this week. (See a copy of the email that was received at the end of this article) This email was a good example of Phishing.
Signs if an email may be a scam: (the email that was sent out follows signs of a scam)
- Check the senders email address: Look closely at the sender’s email address to verify its legitimacy.
- Double-check hyperlinks: Roll over any links in the email before clicking to see where they lead.
- Be cautious with personal information: Don’t quickly confirm personal details.
- Look out for alarming subject lines: Words like “Urgent” or “Action Required” can be red flags.
- Check the domain name: Be wary of public domain email addresses or unusual top-level domains.
- Watch for generic greetings, grammar mistakes, and requests for sensitive information.
- Be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true offers and fishy money requests.
- Verify emails asking for personal information or containing threats or urgency.
ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Go to this website and click on the “Report Now” button to report a fraud.
Your HOA Finances:
Rest assured that CHOA’s financials are sound and strong. Should the HOA need funds for whatever reason they would present an assessment to be divided equally among all homeowners, not just by asking one individual to make a payment.
Phishing Email that was sent and received.
Subject line of email read – CHOA Request
“I’d like to inform you that I’m having technical difficulties paying an overdue vendor for (Program Expenses & Meetings Expenses) and have tried a few payment options at my disposal, and none has gone through yet, As part of the required payment alternatives, I would like to know if you have access to (PayPal, Venmo or Zelle) to assist us by making the payment to the vendor via those payments options appropriate for you to send, once the payment is complete you will be reimbursed promptly for handling this later today or tomorrow. your help is greatly appreciated. “
Best regards
Sandie Maki
Charbonneau Homeowners Assocation reasurer (notice misspelled words)