Beware of This New Email Scam – It Could Cost Your Business Big Time!
You’re scanning your inbox when an email catches your eye. It looks important—maybe an invoice, a message from a supplier, or a request from a colleague. Attached is a Word document, so you open it without a second thought.
Just like that, you’ve fallen for a scam.
Cyber criminals are constantly coming up with new ways to trick people, and the latest scam involves sending corrupted Microsoft Word files. Even the best email security filters struggle to catch these, making them incredibly dangerous for businesses.
How This Email Scam Works
Phishing scams (where hackers trick you into handing over sensitive information) are one of the most common ways cyber criminals break into businesses. They send emails that look like they’re from a trusted source—your bank, a coworker, or a well-known company.
These emails contain links or attachments. Clicking on the wrong one could:
⚠️ Install malware on your computer
⚠️ Take you to a fake website designed to steal your login details
⚠️ Give hackers access to your entire business system
Now, cyber criminals are using corrupted Word files to bypass email security filters. Since these files appear “broken,” your email system can’t scan them for threats. But when you open the file, Microsoft Word will “repair” it, making it look normal.
The document will often contain a malicious QR code or fake login page. If you scan the code or enter your credentials, hackers gain access to your account—and potentially your entire business.
How a Single Scam Can Wreck Your Business
If just one employee falls for a scam like this, hackers can:
🔓 Steal sensitive customer data
🔓 Lock your team out of critical files
🔓 Send phishing emails from your account to scam your clients
Beyond the financial loss, a cyber attack could damage your company’s reputation—something that’s hard to rebuild.
How to Protect Your Business from This Scam
The best defense against a scam isn’t complicated IT jargon—it’s awareness and caution.
Here’s how to stay safe:
✅ Think twice before opening attachments or clicking links. Even if an email looks professional, it could be a scam.
✅ Be wary of urgency. Scammers try to rush you into acting before you think.
✅ Verify suspicious emails. If something feels off, contact the sender through a known phone number or official website.
✅ Educate your team. Make sure employees know how to spot a scam before they fall for one.
Scams are getting more sophisticated, but a little awareness goes a long way in keeping your business safe.
If you need help training your team or improving your cyber security, get in touch today.
🔒 St. Louis businesses can’t afford to ignore cyber security. Protect your employees, protect your business—get in touch today.
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