How to Spot a Business Email Compromise Scam

Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams are becoming increasingly common, with cybercriminals using sophisticated tactics to trick businesses into transferring money or sensitive information. Here are some tips on how to spot a BEC scam:

1. Check the sender’s email address: Scammers often use email addresses that look very similar to legitimate ones, but with slight variations.
2. Look for urgent or unusual requests: Scammers will often try to create a sense of urgency or panic to pressure you into making quick decisions.
3. Verify requests for money or sensitive information: Always double-check with the supposed sender through a different channel, such as a phone call, before taking any action.
4. Watch out for poor grammar and spelling: Many BEC scams originate from non-English speaking countries and contain obvious errors in language.
5. Be wary of unknown attachments or links: Clicking on malicious links or downloading attachments can put your business at risk of a cyberattack.
6. Review the email signature: Make sure the sender’s information matches what you would expect from a legitimate source.
7. Check the email headers: Look for any unusual or suspicious elements in the email headers that may indicate it is not from the claimed sender.
8. Be cautious of unsolicited emails: If you were not expecting an email or it seems out of the blue, proceed with caution.
9. Implement email security measures: Use spam filters, multi-factor authentication, and employee training to protect your business from BEC scams.
10. Report any suspicious emails: If you receive an email that you believe to be a BEC scam, report it to your IT department or relevant authorities immediately.

By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can help protect your business from falling victim to a Business Email Compromise scam.