Whatever You Do, Louisiana, Do NOT Answer These Spam Emails!

LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - What's up with all these spam emails, and why is it so hard to keep them from flooding your email inboxes?

Spam and illicit emails trying to steal your information are nothing new, but it seems like every week, we're seeing their tactics grow and change - and also see the number of victims grow, too.

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What Is Spam?

Simply put, "spam" is any sort of electronic communication from an unverified source that is an attempt to give you false information or scare you into giving them money, access to your information, or any number of harmful acts.

This scam type of spam is what is called a phishing scam.

The problem is that this type of activity persists because it works. Plenty of folks fall victim to these scams, and for the criminals who use spam to steal information and money, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

So, they get bolder and they expand their operations. Even those of us who regularly make sure we don't fall for these emails are getting hit with them - and more often.

It's gotten so bad, that I received two spam emails to my primary inbox while writing this article.

The first one was pleasant enough - the spammers were just trying to make sure I remained healthy.

But under no circumstances was I ever trying to register for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, so getting told I am eligible for something I never applied for is a big red flag.

The second email is one we've written about before. Our old friend, Vincent G. Baker.

READ MORE: Do Not Click on Email From Vincent G. Baker, Attorney at Law

Here's what came in earlier today.

No court, law enforcement agency, etc. will ever send you an email informing you that you are to appear in court. If you get an email like this DO NOT CLICK THE LINK.

UPDATE: A third email has come in.

Zelle is a payment app that you can send and receive money on. The problem here? I am not a Zelle customer, and definitely wouldn't use my work address to sign up.

NEVER CLICK STRANGE OR SUSPICIOUS LINKS

There are all sorts of ways they will try to get you.

The bottom line is this: If you didn't request it, order it, ask for it, solicit it, or anything like that, don't click it. Most of the time, it's not legit. There are too many people who have lost chunks of their life savings (or even their entire identities) because they have clicked the wrong link.

Don't fall prey to the scammers, folks. Take care of yourselves and your data.