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Learn About Spoofing & Phishing
At some point you may receive an email that looks like it came from Sidila.com. It may have our logo and other trademarks, but in fact it is a fake. The email might even direct you to a web site that looks like Sidila.com where you are asked to enter your email address and password so you can "update" your information. Unfortunately you have encountered a spoof (fake) email that is actually phishing (enticing you to enter personal information so they can steal your identity). Some phishing emails will even install viruses or other malware on your computer that can copy or log your passwords and sensitive information and make it available to crooks. Such deceptive emails are called "Spoof Emails" because they fake the appearance of a popular Web site. Despite their customer service appeal, their true intention is to steal your personal information and pass it on to criminals. Also known as "hoax" or "phishing" emails, this practice is becoming wide spread.
Here are some warning signs to look for in a Spoof Email
- Notice the Sender's Email Address
This email is from Support@svrt.sidila.com which is a fake address. Our administrative emails will come from support@sidila.com. A spoof email may have a forged email address in the "From" line or even a real email address that is being used fraudulently.
- The Urgency is Contrived
It's easier to get someone to disclose information when they're in a rush, so the email creates a sense of urgency by claiming that Sidila is updating its files. We perform no such operation at Sidila.com. Members are responsible for updating their own account information, whenever they want to.
- Look at the Email Greeting
Notice the general nature of the greeting (Dear Sidila user). That's because they don't really know who you are (and that's the way you should keep it).
- False Account Suspension Threat
Most Spoof emails try to deceive you with the threat that your account is in jeopardy and you will not be able to buy or sell on Sidila if you do not update it immediately.
- Don't Click Links in a Spoof Email
You can count on links in a fake email to direct you to a fake web site. Always check the address displayed in your browser program to make sure it's what you expected.
- Ignore Requests For Personal Information
As expected, the email requests that you enter sensitive personal information such as your email address, password or bank account number. Never click on a link or complete a form in a suspect email. Its only purpose is to gather that information and make it available to criminals. It's easy to verify that an email was sent to you by Sidila.com. Sign in to Sidila.com and click the Account tab, then select the My Messages option. If the email is legitimate, there will be a copy in My Messages.
Sidila.com will never email you to ask for:
- Your social security number or tax identification number
- Your credit card number, PIN number, or credit card security code
- Your mother's maiden name
- Your Sidila.com password
Pay Attention to Addresses in Your Browser Program
Often, the link in the email will not match the web site address (URL) of the fake site to which it directs you, so always pay close attention to the address your web browser displays.
The address for our web site is www.sidila.com. Our emails will have addresses like support@sidila.com or billing@sidila.com. Notice that the address in the spoof email is support@svrt.sidila.com; definitely a fake address.
Other examples of fake Sidila addresses:
http://signin.sidila.com@197.224.15.3/
http://signin-sidila.com/
When it comes to Spoof emails, remember you are in control. You have complete control of your personal information and can protect it by simply ignoring the spoof email. You may be tempted to click an "Unsubscribe" link to request that you be removed from their mailing list, but DON'T DO IT. The "Unsubscribe" button is just another information gathering tool and clicking it will simply confirm that they have reached someone at a legitimate address.
If you suspect that you have received a spoof Sidila email:
1. Forward the message to spoof@sidila.com.
2. Do not change anything in the email because we need the complete evidence to turn over to law enforcement.
3. After forwarding the email to us, delete it from your computer.
Things to check on your computer
Scan your computer for viruses frequently (nightly if possible).
Check to make sure your antivirus software, operating system, and browser patches are up to date.
Always use the latest version of your web browser.
Vigilance is the best line of defense. You should periodically check your account status to see if there is any suspicious activity.
Change Your password frequently. If you think your account security may have been compromised, change your password.