Have you received an email telling you could receive money from a company? Perhaps you received one about the MGM data settlement. If you did, you may be thinking, “Is this email legitimate or is it spam?”
What is MGM?
MGM is a major hotel company. They are, as people know, well-known in Las Vegas. People go to MGM hotels for fun, spectacles, and games.
MGM also stores information about its customers, including names, phone numbers, and even credit card numbers. It helps them document when people stay at their hotels as record keeping.
What Happened to MGM Data?
A while back, MGM had a problem. It was the work of some hackers, who hacked into their system and stole customer data. People who attempt to obtain data without authorization. As a result, many people’s private information became publicly available without their consent.
This caused a big problem. MGM hotel guests began to get anxious. Would anyone misuse their information? Would they lose money? To remedy it, MGM entered into a settlement.
What is a Settlement?
A settlement is when a company agrees to pay people over an issue. So the company and the people involved agree to pay each other an amount of money to make up for the trouble caused instead of having a long court trial.
Because so many were impacted by the MGM data breach, a settlement has been established. Which means some could get money if their data was stolen.
What is the MGM Data Settlement Email?
If you previously stayed at an MGM hotel, you may have received an email regarding this settlement. The email might look something like this:
- You can get money from the MGM data settlement.
- Click here to claim your payment.
- Complete a form of your information to claim your share.
When a person receives an email like this, they question whether it is real or whether someone is trying to fool them.
How to Know if the MGM Settlement Email is Real and legit?
Or some are real and some are fake emails. Fake emails are called scams. All of this is to trick people into giving away personal information, such as passwords or bank details.
Here’s how to tell whether the MGM settlement email is legitimate:
Check Who Sent the Email
Check the sender’s email address. If it is from a weird or random email it can be fake. Genuine emails concerning settlements typically originate from professional addresses, not suspicious-seeming ones.
Look at the Website Link
If it tells you to click on a link, hover over it with your mouse before you do. Does it take you to a site that seems legitimate? Legit settlement websites will look polished; they won’t have pages full of errors or odd links.
Does It Request Excessive Personal Information?
The fake settlement email may request basic details, such as your name and the address where you stayed. But if it requests your social security number, bank account details password, that’s a red flag. Legitimate companies do not request sensitive information via email.
Search for Official News
Search for the MGM data breach online before you click on anything. Check to see which of the big news websites are writing about the settlement. If it’s real, there will be credible news articles covering it.
Check the Settlement Website
Many actual settlements have an official website where people can see if they qualify. That website should be named in official news reports if the email is genuine.
What Happens if You Click on a Fake Email?
Click on a fake email, and bad things can happen. Scammers might:
- Attempt to steal your personal information.
- Ask you for your bank info and steal your money.
- Hack into your computer or phone.
If you do click on a suspicious email, don’t enter any information. Close the page immediately. You may also wish to change your passwords as a precaution.
What Should You Do if You Get the MGM Settlement Email?
If you got an email about the MGM data settlement, here’s what to do:
- Take your time Review the email and see if it seems legitimate.
- Search anything news Look to see if major news sites are reporting on the settlement.
- Check the sender Ensure the email is from an official email address.
- Visit the official website If you have any doubts, search on Google for the legitimate site of the settlement.
- No personal details you should never enter your personal information on an unrecognized website.
How to Stay Safe from Email Scams?
Scammers dispatch all sorts of fake emails, not just about MGM. Here’s how you can stay safe:
Think Before You Click
- If you receive an odd-looking email, don’t click on any links immediately. But always verify the email first.
Use Strong Passwords
- Ensure that your email and other accounts are guarded by strong passwords. This makes it more difficult for criminals to obtain your data.
Check for Spelling Mistakes
- These scam emails often contain a ton of spelling/grammar mistakes. Real companies have polished emails and make sure your emails look professional.
Don’t Share Personal Details
- Do not share your bank details, password, or social security number via email. Never going to be asked for this information from real companies.
Report Suspicious Emails
- Report it to your email provider or the genuine company if you believe an email is a forgery. This prevents scammers from deceiving additional individuals.
Conclusion
The MGM data settlement email could be legitimate, but it could also be a scam. If you do receive one, take time to verify whether it’s from a credible source. Never submit your information on a site you don’t trust. Always look for official news before clicking on anything.
If you are extra cautious, it should prevent you from handing over your information to scammers. To keep yourself safe from fake emails stay wise out there!
