Modern scam emails can look incredibly convincing, often mimicking well-known companies or even If you suspect you’ve received a phishing email or been the target of a scam you should follow these simple steps:
- Do not reply, don’t click on any links or download any attachments.
- Report it to your IT team immediately so they can take the necessary steps to secure systems and inform others in the business.
- Mark the message as phishing in your email platform if that feature is available; This helps train the system to block similar messages in future.
If you or a colleague has already clicked a link or entered sensitive details, act fast. Change passwords, enable multi-factor authentication if it isn’t already in place, and monitor accounts for any suspicious activity. Letting your IT provider know early means they can limit access, scan for malware, and advise you on the correct next steps.
Why It’s Important to Act Quickly
Time is a critical factor when it comes to phishing attacks. The sooner you notify IT support and start mitigation steps, the less chance a scammer has to do real damage. Many businesses only realise they’ve been hacked after the scammer has already accessed sensitive data or locked down systems.
Early reporting also helps your IT team identify whether it’s a one-off email or part of a wider campaign. They can update filters, inform other staff, and monitor for signs of a more significant breach.