Fairfax Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP) Practice Exam

If you receive a suspicious email from a bank regarding your account, what is the appropriate action?

1. Reply to the email seeking clarification

2. Click the link to resolve the issue

3. Delete it and notify IT

4. Forward the email to a friend for advice

The correct answer is: Delete it and notify IT

When you receive a suspicious email from a bank regarding your account, the most appropriate action is to delete it and notify your IT department. This approach minimizes the risk of falling victim to potential phishing attacks or scams that often use such deceptive emails to steal personal information. By deleting the email, you prevent any accidental engagement with potentially harmful links or attachments that could compromise your computer's security or your personal information. Notifying your IT department allows them to be aware of the phishing attempt, which can help protect not just you, but also your organization and its members from similar threats. They may also take necessary actions to educate others about the potential scam and monitor for any related issues. Engaging with the email by replying or clicking on links could lead to further risk. Forwarding it to a friend might not be advisable either, as it could spread the risk without proper context for them to be aware of what they're dealing with. Taking the decisive action of deletion and notification is a proactive way to protect yourself and others from potential harm.