by Howard Haykin

How many thousands of unsuspecting individuals received this unsolicited message from Global Millionaires Trader LLC ?  I received it twice.  Needless to say, I deleted this emailed message after it was deposited into my Gmail SPAM folder. And in keeping with Google’s warnings, … I did not click on any links, download any attachments or reply with personal information.

Nor should you ... with any suspicious emails. And that goes for suspicious emails that seemingly come from friends and familiar senders. A quick and easy way of identifying scam email (and identity fraud) would be to check the sender's underlying email address. An unfamiliar email address is your indication that the message should be promptly deleted.  If you're still curious about the email, reach out to the supposed sender - your familiar contact - and ask if the content of the message was authentic.

BUT GETTING BACK TO THE ABOVE EMAIL.    Admittedly, it can be awfully tempting to pursue an offer for a money-generating software app that can help one make to up to $2,812.57 per DAY. But don't “bite on the bait.” Instead, heed the possible downsides - like links and attachments that ...

• may be infected with a computer virus or a spyware (that can take control of your computer or smartphone);
• might subject you to an endless stream of unsolicited junk email;
• may induce you to reply with personal information.