The City of Doral is issuing a stern warning to residents and officials after a fake email was circulated, falsely claiming to be from the city's official correspondence. The deceptive email prompted an immediate investigation from the Doral Police and Information Technology Departments. This measure was taken to prevent any potential harm or data breach that could arise from the phishing attempt. The city has also taken steps to alert the public to the threat, urging individuals to practice caution and verify any suspect communications.
According to a notice published on the city's official website, residents should keep an eye out for several red flags that are commonplace in phishing scams. Scammers tend to mimic email addresses to appear legitimate, but a closer inspection can often reveal subtle discrepancies. In addition, these malicious emails may push a sense of urgency, or contain apparent threats, pressuring the receiver to act rashly - a common tactic used to override better judgement. The City of Doral specifically advises against engaging with these emails in any capacity, especially when it comes to clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown senders.
The official guidelines provided by the city serve as a blueprint for avoiding such email scams. Not only should individuals hover over links to verify authenticity, but it's also recommended to connect with the organization through their official channels should there be a request for sensitive personal details. The City of Doral reiterates its stance on privacy, stating that it "will never request your password, social security number, or other sensitive personal information through unsolicited emails."
Understanding that knowledge is the first line of defense against cyber threats, the City of Doral encourages the sharing of these best practices with colleagues, family, and friends. For additional help or questions, individuals are advised to reach out through the city's official contact methods. More information and updates can be found by visiting the city's alert page at City of Doral's official website.
