‘LinkedIn Update’ Phishing Scam Email
The original site is no longer online; links go to the Internet Archive copy.
What the fact-checkers found
If you use LinkedIn, keep an eye out for an email that claims you must click a link to update your account.
The email, which has the subject “LinkedIn Update” claims that LinkedIn is updating its “Services Agreement and Privacy.
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The message warns that your account will be deactivated if you do not click the link and update your account.
However, LinkedIn did not send the email and your account will not be deactivated if you don’t click the link.
Instead, the email is a phishing scam that is designed to steal your LinkedIn account login details. If you click the link, you will be taken to a fraudulent website that has been built to emulate the real LinkedIn login page. Once on the fake site, you will be asked to enter your account email address and password to log in.
After entering your details, you’ll see a message claiming that you’ve successfully completed the supposed update.
Online criminals can now use the information you provided to hijack your LinkedIn account. Once they have gained access to your account, the criminals can use it to send spam, scam, and malware messages to your LinkedIn contacts in your name. They may also gather more of your personal information from your account and use it to pose as you and attempt to steal your identity.
LinkedIn users are regularly targetted in such phishing scams.
LinkedIn has information about phishing scams and how to report them on its website.
Here’s what the scam email looks like:
Subject: Linkedin Update
Dear Linkedin User
As part of our effort to improve your experience in Linkedin access across
our consumer services, we’re updating Linkedin Services Agreement and
Privacy.
Click the link below to update your account.
[Link removed]
Your account will be De-Activated if you do not update.
This notice Ends WED August 22, 2018
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely.
Linkedin Service Provider
Copyright © 2018 Information
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