Report reveals state email addresses are susceptible to phishing
Most Nashvillians feel they’re savvy enough to spot a scam email but admit some are getting trickier to catch.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - If you receive an email from a state government address, it may not necessarily be safe. You should be cautious and take a closer look before opening it.
Some Nashvillians feel they’re savvy enough to spot a scam email.
“When things are misspelled, or if there are grammatical errors, that’s usually a sign that something is up,” Derek Dudley said.
But many admit those scams are getting trickier to catch.
“They’re becoming more meticulous and crafty in how they do it,” Alexandra Baker said.
State and federal email accounts are now being compromised by scammers who use legitimate emails to coerce people into taking undesirable actions.
A state Comptroller’s Office report revealed that an unknown person used a Tennessee Department of Labor and Workplace Development address to send a fraudulent email.
“[The department] became aware of a possible phishing email in October 2022,” a state labor department spokesperson said. “State staff immediately instituted safeguards to stop any additional phishing from occurring.”
Retired FBI agent Scott Augenbaum said social engineering is the number one tool in a cyber criminal’s toolbox.
Augenbaum warned the emails may state there’s an issue with your benefits, that you owe money, or even that your driver’s license is expired. He urged people to stop and think before clicking.
According to Augenbaum, only 5% to 10% of the emails you get are legitimate, and the rest are spam or scams. He warned to beware due to the worsening influence of artificial intelligence.
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