ACERA is aware that spammers have been sending counterfeit emails that appear to come from ACERA. The emails contain an attachment or a link and suggest that ACERA has sent the recipient an invoice. If the recipient 1.) clicks on (opens) the attachment or 2.) clicks on the link and opens the file that is downloaded as a result of clicking on the link, a computer virus may infect the recipient’s computer and try to collect online banking login credentials and other online login credentials.

What To Do If You Received a Counterfeit Email

If you received one of these counterfeit emails, please do the following:

1. Don’t click on the link or attachment.
2. Delete the email.
3. Contact ACERA if you have additional questions.

Be Generally Cautious With Email

This virus has been affecting a number of organizations where criminals are sending out counterfeit emails that appear to originate from the organization.

In general, it’s good to be cautious prior to opening attachments or clicking on links in emails. Ask yourself some questions:

• Were you expecting an email from this person or organization?
• Does the email contain language or spelling that is out of character for the person or organization?
• Is the email suggesting urgency? Does it contain threatening warnings like “Urgent action required!” or “Your account will be closed!” or “Your account has been compromised!”?
• Is the email coming from a person or organization’s correct email address, or is it coming from a different email address that’s trying to look like the correct email address?
• Does the email or any resulting communication ask for passwords, personal information, or money?
• Does anything in general seem out of the ordinary?

For more information on email security, read these articles:

• TechRepublic:10 tips for spotting a phishing email
• CSO: 5 ways to spot a phishing email
• Malwarebytes: Something’s phishy: How to detect phishing attempts