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How to Identify Spam
This email was received by a Southeast employee. Information Technology will NEVER ask you for personal information or to validate your
account. Let’s break down the message to show what makes it a spam e-mail.
What’s after the @ sign?
A Southeast Missouri State University email would have
@semo.edu
in the address.
What is the Message Saying?
If there is a sense of urgency, this is another
indicator. Also, grammatical and spelling
errors can often be found. In this e-mail, the
message beginning refers to the space in
your e-mail box, while the last line is asking
to confirm your account. These two topics
are completely unrelated.
Are They Ending on a Good Note?
Many email programs allow you to set up a default signature to be
included at the end of every message. Most people use these signatures
as an easy way to give their name and alternate ways of reaching them
as well as their company. This signature, however, does none of these
things. Southeast Missouri State’s Information Technology Department is
sometimes shortened to IT, but not in e-mail signature. And, we definitely
aren’t titled ITS!
Is a Robot Sending E-mails?
Southeast Missouri State will NEVER send automated
messages. We use real, free-range humans to send
e-mails (We think it’s more personal that way).
Is the Message Asking You to Click a Link?
Don’t be fooled. Links can provide a false
impression. The location that is actually linked
can actually be harmful or even install unwanted
malware when clicked. Preview your link location
by resting your mouse on the link. The actual link
location will display in the lower left corner of
your browser. When in doubt, DON’T CLICK
THE LINK.
What’s in a Name?
Usually, the first thing to look for is the greeting. If there is no
greeting or provides only a generic greeting (Dear Valued
Customer), it is most likely spam. The IT Department knows
your name and will use it when contacting you.