DEMING Local residents are being urged to stay alert as a new wave of email scams is circulating across the region, many designed to look like legitimate security alerts from well-known companies. The messages often claim that antivirus protection has expired or that accounts have been compromised, pressuring recipients to click links or provide payment information.
Scammers frequently use company logos and professional-looking layouts to make the emails appear authentic. However, officials note that one of the clearest warning signs is the sender’s email address, which rarely matches the real domain of the company being impersonated. Instead of coming from a trusted source, the messages are often sent from obscure or unrelated domains, sometimes using misspellings or extra characters to mimic official names.
Cybersecurity experts warn that these scams commonly rely on fear tactics, using phrases like “Immediate Action Required” or “Your Account Is Compromised” to prompt quick reactions. Clicking links in these messages can expose users to malware or lead them to fraudulent payment pages.
Residents are advised to delete suspicious emails without responding and to avoid clicking any links unless they are certain of the sender’s identity. Legitimate companies do not demand urgent action through unsolicited emails, and they do not request sensitive information through unsecure channels.
Officials recommend checking the sender’s domain, reviewing for spelling errors, and independently visiting a company’s official website if a message raises concerns. Law enforcement agencies say such scams increase during the holiday season, when online shopping and digital communication are at their peak.
Anyone who believes they have interacted with a fraudulent message is encouraged to report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission or local authorities.