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Tutorial - Spoof (fake) Emails
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What is Spoof Email

Spoof emails can be a major problem for unsuspecting Internet users. Claiming to be sent by well-known companies, these emails ask consumers to reply with personal information, such as their credit card number or account password.


 

These deceptive emails are called "Spoof Emails" because they fake the appearance of a popular Web site or company in an attempt to commit identity theft. Also known as "hoax" or "phishing" emails, this practice is occurring more and more frequently throughout the online world.

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Common Deceptive
Tactics of a Spoof Email

The following slides will help you prevent falling for a spoof email and protect your account. The lessons learned here can be applied not only on eBay, but wherever you do business online.

One common example of a Spoof Email can be seen on the right -- forms requesting personal information within the email are a clear indication of Spoof. Do not respond to these.

Think an email is a Spoof? Forward it to spoof@ebay.com

  

Did you know...

The "From" field of an email can easily be altered - it is not a reliable indicator of the true origin of the email.