Email Security: How to Identify and Report Phishing

This article explains how you can identify phishing and scam messages, avoid common traps and report suspicious emails using University of Louisville tools to protect your account and university data.

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Before You Begin

• You need an active University of Louisville email account.
• You must be signed in to Office 365 Outlook Client, Outlook Web, or Outlook Mobile app with your university credentials.

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Identifying Phishing

Identify Phishing and Scams

1. Review the sender address for misspellings or unexpected domains.
2. Check the subject line for urgent language or payment requests.
3. Look for poor grammar, unusual formatting or unexpected attachments.
4. Hover over links to preview the destination, do not click them.
5. Treat messages requesting passwords, Duo approvals or gift cards as suspicious.

 

Avoid Phishing Attempts

1. Do not click links or open attachments in suspicious emails.
2. Do not reply to messages asking for personal or financial information.
3. Verify unexpected requests by contacting the department or sender through a known method.
4. Delete messages you confirm are phishing after reporting them.

 

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Reporting Phishing

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Office 365 Outlook Client or Outlook Web

1. Open the suspicious email in Outlook.
2. From the message toolbar choose More Actions (...) then Report as junk, phishing, or not... then Phishing.
3. Choose the Report option from the Report Message screen.
4. Contact the ITS HelpDesk immediately if you clicked a link, opened an attachment, or responded to the email.

 

Outlook Classic

1. Open the suspicious email in Outlook and use the Report option from the Toolbar Ribbon.
   Contact the ITS HelpDesk immediately if you clicked a link, opened an attachment, or responded to the email.

 

Outlook Mobile app

1. Open the suspicious email in Outlook.
2. Choose More Actions (...) 
3. Choose Report Message
4. Choose Report as Phishing
5. Choose Report from the Report Message screen.
6. Contact the ITS HelpDesk immediately if you clicked a link, opened an attachment, or responded to the email.

 

Need Additional Help?

ITS HelpDesk

Submit a Ticket: Use the self-service portal to log requests.

In-Person Support: Visit the iTechConnect during business hours for individual help.  Located on the lower level of the Miller Information Technology Center (MITC) - Belknap Campus.