PHISHING TRAINING with Tom Malesic | Lowe’s Scam Email

Welcome to another installment of our cybersecurity awareness series! We’re dissecting a recent phishing attempt that landed in my inbox, armed with nothing but our wits and a trusty checklist.

As a small business owner, I run into these types of cybersecurity scams daily. Here’s a quick look into this one and tips on how to keep safe.

A recent phishing attempt masquerading as a Lowe’s email caught my attention. It falsely claimed I’d won a “Makita six piece combo kit,” attempting to exploit my recent shopping activities related to home renovation.

Signs of a Phishing Email

Key signs this was a phishing attempt:

  • Sender’s Address: The email came from a non-Lowe’s domain, using a suspicious mix of letters, attempting to impersonate a legitimate source.
  • Subject Line: Used poor grammar and an underscore to start, which is unconventional for genuine Lowe’s communications.
  • Content Misalignment: Mentioned a “loyalty program” I’m not part of, with an American flag graphic and an unrealistic free prize offer, adding to the deceit.
  • Urgency and Offers: Pressured immediate action to claim a too-good-to-be-true offer, a common phishing tactic to prompt hasty decisions.

Stop Phishing Attacks Before They Happen

This example underscores the importance of scrutinizing emails for signs of phishing: unusual sender addresses, grammatical errors, and suspicious offers. Awareness and caution are crucial defenses against such digital threats.

Stay informed and share these insights to enhance collective security against phishing scams.

Our Local Central Pennsylvania IT Company services Lancaster, Harrisburg and York and offers managed IT services. We’re happy to help protect your business by keeping your tech safe, secure, and off your plate.