Yahoo users, be aware of fake "mailbox shutdown" emails like the one below, which claim that you need to update or upgrade your Yahoo account or else your account will be terminated. The fake emails 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 Mailbox Shutdown Notification Alert" Phishing Scam
From: ✅Yahoo! Mail <paiprp@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, September 3, 2018, 7:28:31 AM GMT+8
Subject: Mailbox shutdown (Final warning) !!
YAHOO NOTIFICATION ALERT!
Dear User,
We are sorry for any inconveniences. Several months ago you were given a notice that your Yahoo! mail needed to be updated regarding the latest Yahoo Mail 7.1. Please update your Account now for security purpose. Failure to do so will result immediate account termination.
Please Open the attachment to update your account now.
Yahoo! Privacy Team
Yahoo! Inc.
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.