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How to Recognize Spam\Phishing Emails

Phishing is when attackers send malicious emails designed to trick people into falling for a scam. Typically, the intent is to get users to reveal financial information, system credentials or other sensitive data.

Many of you may receive these types of fake emails that appear as if they come from one of our principals, superintendent or another MISD staff member. Please disregard the message. These emails come from external accounts and contained a poorly written cryptic message that contained many easily noticed grammar mistakes.

These types of emails are called "phishing attempts" and are becoming a very common tactic for spammers and cyber criminals.  Please take a moment to review some helpful tips below to avoid being caught. 

This short PDF highlights how to recognize spam and fake emails.  If you have any questions, please reach out to a building technology coach or tech specialist.

  • Do not click links in emails or open attachments from an email that you were not expecting.
  • Spam emails are frequently disguised as UPS\Fed-ex tracking information, password reset emails, scans from a copier, purchase orders or invoices.
  • Always check who the email is coming from.  If the sender is someone you do not recognize, you should be cautious about any links or attachments contained in the email.
  • Be suspicious of grammar or spelling mistakes.  Many spam emails are sent in bulk and often will contain poor grammar or spelling mistakes.
  • Be suspicious of any email that requires "immediate action' or creates a sense of urgency.  Often spam emails will try to rush people into making a mistake.