Hey Reader,

Listen... I need to talk about something serious today that could save your business (and your sanity).

Let me tell you what's actually happening in the internet streets right now:

Every day, thousands of people (many of whom are small business owners) click on links they shouldn't, download files from people pretending to be trusted companies, and subsequently accidentally give away the keys to their digital kingdom.

I had a client who reached out because they received a concerning "WooCommerce" email that's 100% fake but looks surprisingly legitimate at first glance.

This has inspired me to break down exactly how to protect yourself and your business.

Quick version if you're short on time:

But this is one you are gonna wanna come back to and read through.

• Never click suspicious links or download attachments without verification
• Watch for these red flags: urgent language, generic greetings, questionable email addresses
• Contact companies directly through their official websites (not reply emails)
• Hover over links before clicking to see where they really lead
• When in doubt, forward suspicious emails to your web developer or host

Let's get into this, shall we?

First, let me share the email I am speaking of.

The email came through as a popular and reputable company that many website owners are familiar with - WooCommerce.

But it wasn't really from Woo. Let's break down how to decode a scam.

The Anatomy of a Scam Email

Urgency and Fear Tactics

The email used phrases like "critical security vulnerability" and "urgent measures" to create panic.

Scammers want you to act quickly before you have time to think.

Generic Greeting

"Dear WooCommerce User" instead of your name.

Legitimate companies that you have accounts with typically use your actual name.

Suspicious Sender Address

The email came from "help@security-woocommerce.com" - not an official WooCommerce domain.

Always check the actual email address, not just the display name.

Scammers try to create a Domain that is similar to the actual company domain to throw you off.

You can go to the domain at the end of the email address and see what is there to see if it is legit.

When I went to security-woocommerce.com it was so slow to load that I closed out of it because I know that there is no way a WooCommerce website is gonna load that slow.

I would be willing to bet that the connection timed out.

Nope! I didn't even stick around to find out.

Suspicious Link

The "DOWNLOAD PATCH" button didn't link to woocommerce.com or wordpress.org.

Hovering over any link WITHOUT CLICKING IT will show you where it really goes in the status bar of your browser.

Instructions to Install Unknown Software

They want you to download and install an unknown .zip file.

This is how malware gets installed on your computer or website. DON'T DO IT!

Consider scam emails as wolves in sheep's clothing...

They appear to belong in your inbox, but they are actually predators seeking your data, money, or access to your systems—all of which can be highly valuable to them.

What Could Happen If You Click?

When you click links in scam emails or texts, any of these things could happen:

• Malware installation on your computer
• Ransomware that locks all your files until you pay up
• Theft of passwords and financial information
• Hackers gaining access to your website's admin area
• Identity theft
• Financial fraud

This isn't just a minor inconvenience – it could literally shut down your business or cost you thousands of dollars.

How to Protect Yourself

Here's what I want you to be thinking about every time you get an email with a link or attachment:

1. Verify the Source Instead of clicking links in emails, go directly to the company's official website by typing the URL yourself, or call their official customer service number.
2. Hover Before You Click Place your cursor over any link (without clicking) to see where it actually leads. Look for misspellings or unusual domains.
3. Be Skeptical of Urgency Legitimate companies rarely demand immediate action through email. If something seems unusually urgent, that's a red flag.
4. Check for Personalization If a company you do business with contacts you, they should know your name. Generic greetings are suspicious.
5. Look for Grammar and Spelling Errors Professional companies proofread their communications. Multiple errors often indicate a scam.
6. Be Cautious with Attachments Never open attachments you weren't expecting, especially .zip, .exe, or .js files.
7. Use Two-Factor Authentication Enable this security feature wherever possible to protect your accounts even if passwords are compromised.

When In Doubt, Check It Out

If you're unsure about an email claiming to be from a service you use:

1. Don't click any links in the suspicious email
2. Open a new browser window
3. Go directly to the company's official website
4. Log in to your account or contact their support
5. Ask if they sent you any security notifications

You don't have to deal with these kinds of things alone. You have options when you receive suspicious communications:

1. Forward the email to your web bestie/consultant (like me!) to verify
2. Contact your web host directly to ask about security issues
3. Check the company's official social media or blog for announced security updates
4. Use email scanning tools to verify legitimacy

Remember: Legitimate companies will never ask you to share passwords via email or text.

Want Expert Eyes on Your Security?

If you're concerned about your WordPress website's security or want to make sure you're protected from attacks, hit reply to this email.

We can discuss the best steps to take to make sure you minimize your potential for being compromised.

Pro Tip: Consider investing in a password manager like 1Password or LastPass.

They not only store your passwords securely but can also help you identify phishing websites and help you come up with secure passwords!

Stay safe out there, Reader!