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By now you might have heard that there’s been a major email breach of a major marketing company. 

The good news is that the hackers didn’t get any particularly sensitive data, such as account numbers, passwords or card details. Instead, they were only able to access lists of emails accompanied by the customer’s name.

The breach was at Epsilon, which operates online mailing lists for many major companies, including seven of the ten largest firms in America.  Were it just email addresses, the main risk would be an increase in spam. However, with the names also available, the attention will likely turn to phishing. 

This involves attempting to trick users into believing a scam email is from a legitimate source, such as an online bank or retailer, and then getting the users to hand over sensitive data. This is the very thing you should NOT do.

Steer Clear of Suspicious Links

By using real names, the scammers can produce messages a little more credible-looking and less like automated scams.  Companies don’t use links in an email for log in or filling out a form.  Many of the affected companies have already sent out emails alerting their users and, as in the case of Citi Cards, share what they will include in their communication so you know it’s really from them.

According to Epsilon, those who have already confirmed their lists were involved include 1-800-Flowers, Barclays, Best Buy, Home Shopping Network, LL Bean, Marriot, Ritz Carlton, Citi Cards, TiVo and US Bancorp.

It’s also important to note that while the sites are sending out warnings, they are not asking users to change log-in details. Any message along those lines is likely itself a scam that’s designed to get ahold of these details.

Typically scam emails disguise or change "from" email addresses so fast that you can’t effectively add them to your spam filter.

So, if you get more spam or phishing emails for awhile, remember that your best friend is the delete button.