Yahoo users, be aware of "Unlock Incoming Mails" alerts like the one below, which claim that you need to renew your account because it was placed on pending status due to a recent upgrade to Yahoo's database. The fake email messages are phishing scams being sent by cybercriminals to steal Yahoo usernames and passwords, by tricking Yahoo users into visiting a phishing website that steals email account credentials.
The "Yahoo Unlock Incoming Mails" Phishing Scam
From: YAH00 <cityofstcharl@centurytel.net>
Sent: Tuesday, November 20, 2018 2:06 PM
Subject: Unlock Incoming Mails!!!
Alert User
Your incoming mails were placed on pending status due to the recent upgrade to our database,
To renew the mailbox kindly CLICK HERE
Notice: If you receive this email in your spam kindly move it to inbox and Upgrade
Regards,
Service
The link in the phishing email message goes to a fake or phishing Yahoo website, which will attempt to trick the potential victims into entering their usernames and passwords on it. If Yahoo users attempt to sign into the phishing website with their Yahoo usernames and passwords, it will be sent to the cybercriminals behind the email scam, who will use the information to hijack their accounts. The hijacked Yahoo accounts will then be used by cybercriminals fraudulently.
Remember, if you receive email messages like these, please go directly to your email account instead of clicking on the links in the email messages. If there is something wrong with your account, it will be shown to you after signing in. And, if you were tricked by one of these phishing scams, please change your password immediately before your Yahoo account is hijacked.
For victims whose accounts have already been hijacked, click here for help.