Phishing Email Scam: Held Message Notice

Phishing Email Breakdown 

This email is a phishing attempt disguised as an Office 365 “Held Message Notice,” claiming that several messages have been blocked and urging the recipient to click “View Task Messages.” It uses vague error details and a sense of urgency to trick the user into clicking on a malicious link. The message is not a legitimate Microsoft notification and is designed to steal login credentials or install malware. 

Visual Example of the Phishing Email 

Full Text from the Phishing Attempt 

OFFICE-365 

Held Message Notice 

Attempt failed – Mcmaster (5) messages has been blocked from delivering for {email address} on {date}. 

Several errors were encountered; we suggest that you view task to release and review messages for Mcmaster. 

5 errors were encountered 

View Task Messages 

Having trouble? Get help with audience imports. 

How to Protect Yourself? 

1. Verify the Sender: Always verify the identity of individuals claiming to be someone important, especially if the message seems out of the ordinary and asks for personal information. 
2. Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: Hover over or copy the link to view the complete domain name. Scammers often create URLs that resemble authentic ones by inserting subtle misspellings or extra characters. If the link looks suspicious, it’s safer to visit the official website directly or use a reputable search engine to find the correct webpage. 
3. Review Grammar and Punctuation Carefully: If a message is filled with spelling mistakes, inconsistent sentence structure, or odd phrasing, it may indicate a phishing attempt. 
4. Check Branding, Formatting, and Logos Carefully: Phishing emails may imitate official layouts or use low-quality, off-colour logos. Verify that logos, colours, and the overall format matches what you typically see from the genuine organization. 

Important Notes: 

1. Report Suspicious Messages: Reporting phishing attempts helps prevent others from falling victim to these attacks. Send suspicious messages to is-spam@mcmaster.ca for review and investigation. 
2. Educate Yourself: Learn about common phishing tactics. Consider participating in the Information Security Training Program to protect against cyber threats and secure your digital world.