Here are e-mail rules to live by:

Be VERY suspicious of ALL email. 

• If it looks the least bit suspicious, delete it.
• If it looks too good to be true, it is.
• Don't let curiosity get the best of you.

Hackers can make email look very real, so pay close attention to the TO: and FROM: address lines.

• Look at the addresses to see if it varies even slightly from a previous email. If it does, be suspicious.
• If the email came from "CompanyABC.com" and the link goes to "SomethinglikeCompanyABC.COM" then it is very likely spam or worse.

Reputable companies NEVER send updates or security patches in an email. 

• They will NEVER include the update as an attachment. They should tell you to go their web site and download it.   
• If there an attachment with the email, it is a red flag. Delete it.       
• They may notify you of an update, but to be safe, do not click on the link in the email. Go to their web site and look for the update.

Look for bad grammar and spelling mistakes. Even the slightest error should raise a red flag.  ((note - there are many mistakes in this latest email scam))

Never open email from someone you don't know. Period. 

• Set your email program so it only displays the header information.
• Do not use the preview pane.

Never open attachments in an email unless the person who sent it told you they are sending it.

• Do Not Assume someone you know sent it. Email is easily disguised to look real.
• NO EXCEPTIONS and this is especially true for zip files.
• Call the person who sent it and ask if they sent it.
• Spam can be made to look like it came from someone you know, or companies you trust.

Never click on links in an email unless you are absolutely sure it is safe.

• Study the link. Copy it and paste it in a Notepad. If it is going to a different web site other than the company who sent it (even a slight variation is a red flag), you should be very cautious.  
• Delete the email.

Hackers and spammers continue to find ways around anti-virus and anti-spyware software. As the computer user, you are the last line of defense against these threats. You need to be very conscious and aware of every email you receive.

Don't let curiosity get the better of you. Delete the email first. 
You can always ask someone to resend it if it is legitimate.

Thanks Richard for that insight!

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