Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Above is an example of a fake Herald billing email. If you look above the orange "Get Secure Message" email, you will see an apparent Herald email address, "laurieholmberg@mcheraldonline.com." But note that the sender's true email address at the very top of the email. It appears as "info@chestersculturalcentre.co.uk." The fact that the two email addresses are different is a warning sign. Additionally, Holmberg no longer works at the Herald. You can always verify a current employee by calling our office at 793-2144. Never click on any of these links and do not reply. Delete the email without taking any action. An authentic emailed Herald invoice does not have just a link to click. All emailed Herald invoices will include an image that lists the invoice number and amount. The actual invoice will be attached as an actual PDF file, not just a link.
I'd like to remind Herald advertisers and subscribers that you might be getting fake emails from the Herald stating that you need to click on a link to view an invoice.
These billing emails might look like they're coming from the Herald, but they are not.
A handful of advertising clients and even a few subscribers have received email notices that appear to have been sent from Herald staff members. These messages claim that the recipient has an overdue invoice that requires immediate attention, and usually include a link to click and view an invoice.
Clicking the link is dangerous as it might download malicious software to the receiver's computer.
According to Herald Bookkeeper Martin Bakner, the sender is using a technique known as "spoofing," in which it appears that the message is sent from a legitimate Morrisons Cove Herald email address but is actually from an unknown site.
Bakner said that these fraudulent emails are likely intended to infect the recipient's computer with a virus or malware.
"Any invoice that is emailed from the Herald will originate from the address martinbakner@mcheraldonline.com and will include an image that lists the invoice number and amount," Bakner said. "In addition, the invoice number will appear in the subject line and a PDF file of the actual invoice will be attached to the message. At no time will just a link appear with instructions to click it in order to view the invoice."
Bakner said that if Herald customers receive an email of the suspicious type, they should never click the provided internet link.
"It's best to delete the email immediately and run an antivirus scan as a safety precaution," Bakner said.
Customers and subscribers who receive a suspicious email or who have questions about the authenticity of an invoice from the Herald should call Bakner at the Herald office at (814) 793-2144, extension 105.
Thank you for doing your part to fight fraud while keeping your computer safe from intrusion.
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