PHISHING EXAMPLE: Email Account Removal

May 6, 2022

What makes this a phishing message?

This targeted phishing scam impersonates the Information Security Office to create fear to cause the recipients to act, clicking on the mailicious link. 

Tips if Something Seems Off:

Double-check the email address before responding

Look to make sure the email address is correct. In Gmail hover your mouse over the sender name for the email to display. On a mobile phone or a touchscreen, press and hold the link (don't tap!) to reveal the actual URL. (Look in the bottom left corner of the browser window.) Don't click on a link unless it goes to a URL you trust.

Follow up with the sender separately

If you didn’t expect it, reject it. Or follow-up with the individual directly in a separate email or call/text to confirm.

Report and/or flag it

  • Open the message

  • To the right of 'Reply' arrow

  • Select 'More' (typically denoted with three vertical dots)

  • Then 'Report phishing'

If you are unable to log into bMail, forward the message to phishing@berkeley.edu For more information visit https://security.berkeley.edu/resources/phishing

Original Message:

Subject:        Email removal request
Date:   28 Apr 2022 04:02:08 +0200
To:     [RECIPIENT]@security.berkeley.edu
From:   "Admin" <domains@mingta-al.com>

Dear recipient

We have received your cancellation request and you are no longer
subscribed to security.berkeley.edu

If you did not request cancellation, kindly click below to reactivate
your account.

RE-ACTIVATE ACCOUNT abuse@security.berkeley.edu
(hxxps://flwfx-uyaaa-axxxxxxxxxx@security.berkeley.edu)

Thank you for being a customer.

security.berkeley.edu Admin Services


- end -

Warning:  The links and email addresses included in these messages are from real-life examples, do not attempt to explore them.

The most dangerous links have been removed - you can hover your cursor over these links to see the original address in a pop-up techtip (instead of in the corner of the browser window).

How to report phishing:

  • Open the message

  • To the right of 'Reply' arrow

  • Select 'More' (typically denoted with three vertical dots)

  • Then 'Report phishing'

If you are unable to log into bMail, forward the message to phishing@berkeley.edu