How to judge the veracity of an email?

Q: I am a US resident. I came across a previous question about what to do when you get a spam email. It reminded me a similar question I had from my brother in Gulf over the authenticity of some more dangerous emails. I would appreciate if you can also publish about how to react to such emails for the good of larger email users (and most likely businesses) which can innocuously fall a prey to such malicious emails.

- Nandeep Nagarkar

A: Judging by your email, what you're asking is: how do you judge the veracity of an email. It can be difficult. Know that fake emails try to do two things: either spread misinformation or trick you into giving your personal information. While I can't tell you everything you need to know, some things to watch for are:

1) Do you know where the email is from? If you don't know, be on your guard. This may sound too simplistic, since not every email from an unknown source is inherently bad, but you have to ask yourself. Why is this person contacting ME?

2) Watch for the high-pressure tactics. No one who honestly needs help or money contacts strangers via email.

3) Watch out for emails with links to web pages. Going to an unknown web page on the advice of someone you don't know is one of the best ways to get infected with a bot or other malware.

4) If you are unsure about the content of the email, do some independent research. Some websites, such as snopes.com, even keep lists of common email scams.

5) Be very careful about any email that wants you to divulge user names, passwords, or account details. You should avoid putting this information in any email, but never email it to someone you don't know.

6) If the emails claim to be from a business associate, you can call them to be sure. Spear phishing, where an email falsely claims to be from a friend or associate, is on the rise.

7) Finally, what should you with such emails? If you'rein doubt, delete them. It may sound cynical, but a little of paranoia can be healthy on the internet.

- Send your questions to: advice@gulfnews.com