Damaging Email With .ZIP
You have all been warned, I’m sure, of damaging email. Well, here’s a new one.
For me, these types of emails just began a few weeks ago. They appear to come from reputable sources. In my case, the message was from Wells Fargo. As I recall, it mentioned something “important regarding your account.”
I have, nor never have had, an account at Wells Fargo. That’s the first clue!
Here’s the important point: the message had an attachment. The attachment had the extension (ending) of “.zip.”
Now a “zip” file can contain anything, including a program which could really mess up your computer or your life. The file, if opened, could go through your computer’s storage area and collect information on anything you do, like give your credit card number to a merchant, and send it to someone.
Do Not open the .zip file! These types of messages are sent by bad guys who are trying to profit from our curiosity or ignorance.
What Should Be Done?
Most, but not all, large, reputable, businesses which do business on the ‘net know this sort of thing happens. They have folks who deal with it. To help them, report the incident by simply forwarding the offending or suspected fraud email to “abuse@wellsfargo.com.” (Insert the company from which it appeared to have been sent in the “wellsfargo.com” space in the example above.)
Beware! There’s bad guys out there!