The "Staff Reduction" scam - a new method for cybercriminals

Cybercriminals have devised a new phishing tactic—posing as employers and sending deceptive emails about termination. These messages contain links or attachments that, when accessed, can lead to data breaches or malware infections. These scams exploit emotions—shock and anxiety from unexpected job loss can push individuals to react impulsively. If hackers obtain login credentials, they can steal confidential company data or use the compromised account to target others.

How can you spot a scam and protect yourself?

To avoid falling victim, stay alert and watch for key warning signs:

• Verify the sender's email—fraudsters mimic legitimate companies by making small alterations in domain names (e.g., @hr-microsoft.com instead of @microsoft.com).

• Watch out for generic greetings—messages that start with "Dear employee" and lack your name may be fraudulent.

• Be cautious with links and attachments—hover over links to inspect their actual destination. If something looks off, don’t click.

• Ignore requests for login credentials—companies do not notify employees of termination in a way that requires logging into unfamiliar websites.

• Check for errors—spelling mistakes, awkward phrasing, and grammatical issues can be signs of a phishing attempt.

• Confirm with your employer—before reacting, reach out to your HR department or manager to verify the legitimacy of the message.

Cyber fraud is becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it crucial to stay calm and scrutinize unexpected emails carefully.