How to Spot and Avoid SharePoint Scams Easily

Scammers use SharePoint scams to trick people into giving away passwords or sensitive information. These scams often come as fake emails that look real, so they can be hard to spot. In other words, they pretend to be from trusted sources like shared files or work notifications. Therefore, staying alert is important. At IPRO, we help businesses protect their data by recognizing these threats early.

SharePoint scams are fraudulent activities where attackers use fake SharePoint links or notifications to trick users into sharing sensitive information. These scams often appear as phishing emails, asking recipients to open documents or log into their accounts. To stay safe, verify links, watch for suspicious messages, and enable multi-factor authentication.

What Are SharePoint Scams?

SharePoint scams happen when scammers send fake emails or messages that appear to come from SharePoint. These messages usually ask you to click a link or open a document, hoping to steal your details or login information. In other words, they trick you into trusting them by pretending to be real notifications.

Above all, it’s important to stay alert because these scams can look very convincing. For instance, some emails might say you need to view a shared document urgently. So, always double-check links and email addresses. In addition, report any message that feels suspicious. Therefore, being careful can protect you and your information from falling into the wrong hands.

Anatomy of SharePoint Phishing

The Fake Notification

A scam often starts with an email resembling a real SharePoint message. It might say that someone shared a file with you, so it feels normal, especially if your company uses SharePoint regularly. In other words, the message tricks people by mimicking real notifications to avoid suspicion.

Clicking the Link

After that, the employee clicks the link, thinking it leads to the real SharePoint site. The link might take them to an actual SharePoint server where a OneNote or PDF file appears, making it seem even more trustworthy.

The Phishing Trap

Inside the file, there’s often a large icon or another fake link. So, the person clicks again, believing they are downloading or opening the document. However, this second click leads to a phishing page that looks like a OneDrive login.

Stealing Credentials

Finally, the fake login page asks for usernames and passwords. Above all, the scammer uses this information to steal email credentials for services like Outlook, Office 365, or others. Therefore, it’s important to always check links and avoid logging into unfamiliar pages.

How to Stay Safe

To protect yourself from SharePoint scams, follow these simple tips. These steps will help you stay alert and avoid getting tricked by fake messages.

1. Double-Check Links and Emails
   • Always check the sender’s email address.
   • For instance, if the address looks strange or unfamiliar, do not click any links.
   • Also, hover over links to see if they lead to trusted sites before clicking.
2. Look for Signs of Phishing
   • Be cautious with messages that sound urgent or ask for sensitive details.
   • In other words, scammers try to make you act fast without thinking.
   • Therefore, never share passwords or personal information through email.
3. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
   • 2FA gives you extra security by asking for a code along with your password.
   • So, even if someone steals your password, they can’t log in without the code.
4. Update Software Regularly
   • Keep SharePoint and other software up to date to block known threats.
   • After that, check for updates often to stay protected from new scams.
5. Train Your Team
   • Above all, teach employees how to spot SharePoint scams and phishing emails.
   • In addition, remind them to report anything suspicious immediately.

How SharePoint Phishing Emails Look

Phishing emails are getting harder to detect. Attackers copy the look of real SharePoint emails, so they seem trustworthy at first glance. Below is an example of a phishing email that mimics SharePoint branding. Notice how it looks almost real but has small signs of being fake.

1. Suspicious Sender Address
   • In phishing emails, the sender’s address might look similar to a real one but with small changes. For instance, it may use extra letters or a different domain.
   • So, it’s important to check the sender’s email closely before clicking any links.
2. Urgent Message to Create Pressure
   • These emails often push you to act quickly.
   • For example, they may say, “Please review this document immediately” to make you click without thinking. In other words, they rely on panic to trick you.
3. Fake Links and Mismatched Logos
   • After that, you may find a button or link labeled “View Document.” However, when you hover over it, the link goes to a strange website.
   • Also, some phishing emails may contain logos that look correct but are slightly different from the official ones.
4. Tricky Attachments and Files
   • Above all, the email may suggest you open a shared file, like a PDF or OneNote document, to view important information. But these links often lead to fake login pages designed to steal your password.

Types of SharePoint Phishing Attacks

Scammers use different tricks in SharePoint scams to steal information. Each type looks convincing, making it easy for people to get fooled. Below are the most common ones.

Fake File Sharing Scams

In these scams, you receive an email saying someone shared a document with you. The message looks real, so you might click on it. After that, the link takes you to a fake page asking for your login details. Therefore, always check if the sender’s email is correct before clicking.

Urgent Notification Scams

These emails say something needs your attention right away, like a critical update or an important file. In other words, the goal is to create panic and make you act fast. So, if you feel pressured, slow down and verify the message first.

Impersonation Scams

In this type, scammers pretend to be someone you know, like a co-worker or manager. For instance, you might get an email asking you to open a SharePoint file. Above all, always double-check if the message really comes from the person it claims to be.

Fake Login Page Scams

These attacks redirect you to a page that looks like a real SharePoint login. You enter your username and password, not knowing it’s a trap. After that, scammers use this information to steal your account. So, only log in through trusted links and never through email links.

Malicious File Scams

Some SharePoint scams send fake documents containing malware. When you open the file, it can infect your computer. In addition, these files can spread across your network security. Therefore, avoid opening unexpected attachments and use antivirus software to stay safe.

Impact of SharePoint Scams on Businesses

SharePoint scams can cause serious problems for businesses. These attacks do more than just steal passwords; they can disrupt operations, damage trust, and cause financial losses. Below are the key ways these scams affect businesses:

• Data Loss
  • Scammers can steal important files or sensitive information.
  • In other words, they may leak, delete, or misuse this data, leading to legal issues.
• Financial Loss
  • Some scams result in direct financial harm, such as unauthorized payments or fraudulent transactions.
  • After that, businesses may face fines for failing to protect sensitive data.
• Business Downtime
  • If a scam infects systems with malware, employees may be unable to access SharePoint or other tools.
  • Therefore, the business may experience delays, leading to lost time and money.
• Reputation Damage
  • Above all, clients and partners may lose trust in a business after a data breach.
  • In addition, businesses may struggle to rebuild their reputation, which can affect future deals.
• Increased Security Costs
  • After a scam, companies often need to invest in better security tools and employee training.
  • So, preventing future attacks can become a significant and ongoing expense.

The effects of these scams can be long-lasting, making it essential for businesses to act quickly and carefully to protect their systems and data.

How to Identify a SharePoint Scam

Spotting SharePoint scams early can save you from falling into a trap. Follow these steps to help you recognize a scam before it causes harm:

1. Check the Sender’s Email Address
   • Scammers often use email addresses that look real but have small mistakes.
   • For instance, the address may have extra letters or a strange domain. So, always double-check the sender’s details.
2. Look for Suspicious Subject Lines
   • Many phishing emails sound urgent or alarming. For example, a subject might say, “Urgent: Document Awaiting Your Review.”
   • Therefore, be careful with emails that push you to act quickly without thinking.
3. Hover Over Links to See the Real URL
   • After that, hover your mouse over any link to see where it leads. If the link looks strange or unrelated to SharePoint, don’t click it.
   • In other words, scammers often use fake links to trick you into visiting malicious websites.
4. Check for Grammar or Spelling Errors
   • Also, phishing emails may contain small mistakes in spelling or formatting.
   • Real notifications from SharePoint are usually professional, so errors can be a warning sign.
5. Watch for Fake File or Login Requests
   • Some emails may ask you to open a shared file or log in to your account.
   • Above all, avoid entering your password through links sent in emails. Always log in directly from the official SharePoint site instead.
6. Look for Unusual Requests for Information
   • Scammers may ask for personal information or passwords in the email.
   • In addition, legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive data through email. So, report any email that makes such requests.

Preventing SharePoint Phishing Attacks

Stopping SharePoint scams requires staying alert and following simple safety steps. Below are ways to protect yourself and your business from these phishing attacks:

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
  • 2FA adds a second layer of security by requiring a code along with your password.
  • So, even if someone steals your password, they still can’t log in.
• Educate Employees Regularly
  • Teach employees how to spot phishing emails and report suspicious messages.
  • In other words, regular training helps everyone stay alert and act quickly.
• Use Strong Passwords
  • Create unique passwords for SharePoint accounts. Avoid using the same password across different sites.
  • After that, change passwords regularly to reduce the risk of compromise.
• Verify Links Before Clicking
  • Hover over links to see if they lead to trusted sites.
  • Also, if an email feels suspicious, open SharePoint directly in your browser instead of clicking links.
• Keep Software Up to Date
  • Always update SharePoint and other tools to prevent known security issues.
  • Therefore, set automatic updates to stay protected from the latest scams.
• Limit Access to Sensitive Data
  • Give employees access only to the files they need for their work.
  • So, even if one account is hacked, the damage will be limited.
• Use Spam Filters and Security Tools
  • Enable spam filters to block phishing emails from reaching inboxes.
  • In addition, consider using tools that scan emails for threats.

Key Takeaway

SharePoint scams are getting smarter, but staying alert can protect you. Always check emails carefully, so you don’t fall for fake messages. In other words, look for unusual links or suspicious senders. Also, enable two-factor authentication to add extra security. After that, keep your software updated to block new threats. Therefore, regular employee training helps everyone spot scams early. Above all, never share sensitive information through email. If you need help securing your business, call us at (866) 687-9669. Staying careful will keep your data and accounts safe.