Recently, some of our members received a fraudulent email falsely claiming to sell the “Cuyahoga East Chamber of Commerce 2025 Members List.” This email is not legitimate and has no affiliation with the Chamber. We take privacy seriously and never sell or share our membership lists. Unfortunately, email scams like this are common, and businesses are frequent targets. Scammers may attempt to steal financial information, employee credentials, or client data. They may also use fake invoices, impersonate executives, or trick employees into wiring money. It’s important to stay alert and know how to protect yourself.

How to Spot an Email Scam

Scammers use deceptive tactics to trick people into giving away personal information or money. Here are some red flags to watch for:

• Unsolicited Offers – If you didn’t request the information, be skeptical.
• Urgency or Pressure – Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency to get you to act quickly.
• Poor Grammar and Spelling – Many scam emails contain typos and awkward phrasing.
• Suspicious Links or Attachments – Don’t click on links or download files from unknown senders.
• Requests for Payment or Sensitive Info – Legitimate organizations won’t ask for passwords, Social Security numbers, or credit card details via email.

What to Do If You Receive a Scam Email

If you get an email that seems suspicious, take these steps:

1. Don’t Respond – Engaging with scammers can lead to more targeted attempts.
2. Verify the Source – Independently find the official website or phone number of the organization and reach out to them directly to confirm whether the email is legitimate.
3. Report It – Forward phishing emails to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at spam@uce.gov and notify your IT department.
4. Mark It as Spam – Flagging the email as spam helps your email provider filter future messages.
5. Educate Others – Let your colleagues and employees know about the scam to prevent others from falling victim.

Stay Vigilant

Cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to deceive people. Staying informed and cautious is the best way to protect yourself and your business from fraud. If you ever have concerns about an email claiming to be from the Cuyahoga East Chamber of Commerce, reach out to us directly.

Have you encountered a scam email? Share your experience in the comments to help spread awareness!

This CuyEast Chamber post was written with AI assistance in part.