Hacked Email

This is when an email account is accessed by someone other than the person for which that account is intended.

Why be aware of this scam?

This is a very serious threat. Email accounts are used to access almost everything in our day-to-day lives. If somebody malicious gets access to your email, they are stealing your identity.

Why do threat actors want access to my email?

Attackers may use your account to send spam, malware, or phishing attacks to people that would not suspect an attack from you. Others want to use your email account gain access to all of your other accounts. Everything we use is connected to our email accounts, so attackers may be able to gain access to your bank accounts, social media accounts, streaming accounts, etc.

Red flags:

• People tell you they are receiving strange emails from you

• You cannot access your email account

• Strange login activity

• Messages in your inbox have been read, but you didn’t read them

Immediate action:

• If you still have access to your account, change your password immediately.

• If you do not have access to your account, contact your account provider, and they may be able to help you recover it.

• Change your security questions.

• Enable multi factor authentication.

• Set up a password recovery option.

• Keep an eye on your other accounts for suspicious activity.

• Run a virus scan on your computer.