Protect Yourself from Email Phishing & Impersonation Scams

By Jeff McCorvey, ALLO Business

Email phishing scams are becoming more sophisticated, and many target local businesses and customers right here in Northern Colorado. One of the most common types is impersonation scams, where criminals pretend to be someone you know or trust in order to trick you into sharing information or sending money.

Common Email Scams to Watch Out For

• Fake Invoice Scams: You may receive invoices for goods or services you never ordered, designed to create urgency and pressure you into paying.

• CEO/Manager Impersonation: Scammers pretend to be a business leader requesting an urgent wire transfer or gift card purchase.

• Vendor or Customer Impersonation: Hackers pose as a trusted supplier or client, asking you to update payment details or click a malicious link.

• Account Verification Messages: Fraudulent emails claim your email, bank, or online account will be suspended unless you “verify” your credentials immediately.

How You Can Stay Protected

1. Slow Down & Verify — If an email feels urgent, pause. Call the sender directly using a trusted phone number before acting.

2. Check Email Addresses Carefully — Scammers often use small variations (like @company.co instead of @company.com).

3. Hover Before You Click — Place your cursor over links to preview where they really lead before clicking.

4. Never Share Sensitive Info by Email — Legitimate businesses will not ask you to send passwords, banking details, or Social Security numbers by email.

5. Report Suspicious Emails — Alert your IT team, email provider, or the business being impersonated so they can take action.

How ALLO Can Help

At ALLO Business, we partner with local companies to strengthen their defenses against cyber threats. Our solutions include:

• Next-Generation Firewalls to block malicious traffic before it reaches your inbox or network.

• Managed IT Solutions that monitor, detect, and respond to suspicious activity in real time.

• Cybersecurity Awareness Training for your employees, helping them spot phishing attempts before it’s too late.

• Compliance Support for industries that must follow regulations like HIPAA, PCI, or GLBA.

Our goal is simple: to keep your business connected and protected so you can focus on growth without worrying about digital threats.