What you need to know about LinkedIn Phishing Scams

Cyber criminals frequently impersonate social networks like LinkedIn. They use LinkedIn logos, signatures, email addresses, and brand colors to make phishing emails look legitimate.

Popular phishing email topics:

  • LinkedIn invitation
  • Verify your LinkedIn account
  • LinkedIn account access blocked, terminated, or suspended
  • Upgrade your LinkedIn account
  • New LinkedIn message
  • Free LinkedIn account upgrade
  • LinkedIn profile security alert
  • New inbox message

How do you know if an email is suspicious? Check out these real phishing emails to learn the warning signs of a phish.

 

From: connections@linkedin.com

Subject: You have a new connection request from Jessica Gomez!

LinkedIn

Hi Linkedin user,

It was nice to meet you last week. I'd like to connect with you on LinkedIn.

- Jessica

Jessica Gomez
Managing Director at RHPW Consulting
2 shared connections

View Profile

Hover over the indicators in red to learn the indicators of a phish.

Fake LinkedIn connection invitations are a common phishing technique. Cybercriminals create enticing profiles and even pose as recruiters to grab your attention. You could also get a bogus email confirming a new connection request.

Remember:

  1. Only accept connection requests from people you know. Once someone is part of your network, they can see your information and can send you a personalized message with malware.
  2. Update your privacy settings. Review your settings to see what information is publicly available and whether connections can see your email address.
 

From: linkedin@socialsmp.com

Subject: Nadisha wants to place order with you via LinkedIn

Nadisha would like to stay in touch on LinkedIn

Nadisha
Owner, nagts.org
Franceß

Hello user;

Thank for your attention.

Please quote our new order of 10,000pcs,delivery terms and terms

of payment ... see more

Your urgent response is needed

Nadisha

Reply

You received an invitation to connect. LinkedIn will use your email address to make suggestions to our members in features like People You May Know. Unsubscribe

This email was sent to user.

If you need assistance or have questions, please contact LinkedIn Customer Service

Hover over the indicators in red to learn the indicators of a phish.

Purchase orders, invoices, and requests for quotes continue to be popular narratives in phishing emails. Always follow company policies, and be wary of unusual requests that do not follow company policies.

Remember:

  1. Look at the domain name. For example, if the target company’s domain was www.example.com, the phishers may register “examp1e.com” or “example.co.”
  2. Always verify. If you know the sender, verify with a quick phone call.
 

From: security@linkedin.com

Subject: LinkedIn Security Alert

Dear Linkedin user,

We think that someone else might have accessed your LinkedIn account or you signed in from another computer or device recently.

When this happens, we require you to verify your identity with a security challenge.

To prevent Us from Blocking your LinkedIn account follow the link below to verify now.

Please Note its nothing to get alarmed About, this is just a prevautionary measure.

Thank you

Hover over the indicators in red to learn the indicators of a phish.

Cybercriminals often appeal to emotions of fear and urgency with email narratives like “Account Access Blocked” or “Someone Accessed Your Account”. Use caution if you receive an urgent email about account status.

Remember:

  1. Use a different password for every account. Keep track of your passwords with a password manager application.
  2. Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA). Strengthen the security of your account by setting up MFA wherever it is offered.
 

From:LinkedIn info@socialsmp.com

Subject: LinkedIn Job Openings

LinkedIn
Job openings for active LinkedIn users

A company is urgently seeking for immediate employment from your region. They are interested on your qualifications base on ur recommendation. Your email address has been updated in our recruitment database & please we are waiting for your CV and Cover letter.

If the button doesn't work, you can click here. This is the best place you need to send your CV now.

2018 LinkedIn Corporation

Hover over the indicators in red to learn the indicators of a phish.

Job opportunities are a common phishing lure. Be wary of unexpected emails mentioning a job offer or fake job applications with attached resumes or cover letters.

Remember:

  1. If it seems too good to be true, it likely is. Read emails thoroughly and be wary of words like “Caution” and “Urgent”, which draw your attention and make you act quickly.
  2. Bookmark frequently-visited websites. Instead of clicking links in emails, navigate to trusted sites by using bookmarks.

Cofense ReporterRemember, you are the last line of defense against phishing. If you receive a suspicious email, report it immediately.