If you receive an email from a contact that doesn’t feel right or is out of the ordinary, THINK!

We want to alert you to the growing threat of phishing emails targeting organisations and individuals, including those in our industry. Recent reports suggest that cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often posing as trusted contacts to deceive recipients. The Guild has received two emails from different members of this nature in recent weeks.

In both instances, when we reached out by email we were intercepted by the scammers pretending to be the sender assuring us everything was fine.

The Initial email:

Reply from phisher after we queried it:

 

Key Risks to Be Aware Of:

  1. Emails from Known Contacts Phishing emails often appear to come from someone you know, such as a colleague, business partner, or even a fellow Gin Guild member.
  2. Requests for Sensitive Information:** These emails may ask for confidential details, payment authorisations, or login credentials under the guise of urgency.
  3. Links and Attachments:** Clicking on links or opening attachments can lead to malware installation or the theft of sensitive information.

How to Stay Safe:

  • Verify the Sender Even if an email appears to come from someone you trust, double-check the sender’s email address for any inconsistencies.
  • Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links Hover over links to see the destination URL, and only click if it matches the sender’s official website.
  • Contact the Sender Directly If the email seems unusual, reach out to the person through a verified phone number or different email address to confirm legitimacy.
  • Be Wary of Urgency Phishing emails often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. Take your time to assess the situation.

Reporting Suspicious Activity:

If you receive a suspicious email related to The Gin Guild, please do not engage with it. Instead:

  1. Forward a screenshot of the email to the Guild for our records.
  2. Delete the email from your inbox and trash folder immediately.
  3. Notify your IT department or service provider if you believe you may have been compromised.

We are committed to safeguarding our members and their information. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us immediately. Better to be safe than late and sorry.

Thank you for your vigilance in keeping our community secure.