It can happen to anybody—you click on an email or link, and the next thing you know, your computer crashes. The internet experts from Clear Creek Communications in Oregon City, OR, know how much of a hassle this can be, which is why they’ve compiled a few tips to help you avoid such a scenario. 

To keep your computer running quickly and properly, use these four tips to spot phishing emails: 

• Poor Spelling & Grammar: One of the most telling signs of a phishing email is the presence of poor spelling or grammar. Messages and emails from major companies are almost always reviewed for spelling and grammar mistakes before they are sent, so if your message looks like it was written by a third grader, it’s probably not from a reputable source. 
• Asking for Personal Information: No bank or financial organization asks for sensitive personal information like your credit card or Social Security number in an email—it’s simply unsafe. For this reason, any email inquiring about personal data should be deleted immediately. If your bank or another financial institution has a question for you, they’ll have one of their representatives call you on a secure line. 
• Prizes for Sweepstakes You Never Entered: Fake prize emails are one of the most common types of phishing messages. If you receive an email stating you’ve won a lottery, raffle, or sweepstakes and you don’t recall entering any, don’t open it. Usually, such messages will contain spyware or try and trick you into entering your personal or financial information.
• Misleading Domain Name: Often, phishing emails will contain links to an internet domain that might look identical to your bank or another trusted website at first glance, but upon closer inspection, they’re a little off. If you get an email from your bank that includes a link to “banksofamerica.com,” don’t trust it. 

For more helpful tips on how to avoid phishing emails and other scams, contact the internet professionals from Clear Creek Communications today at (503) 631-2101. They also specialize in cable TV and DVR installation, so visit them online for a closer look at the services they offer.