[email protected] is an e-mail address of the Centre for Cyber Security Belgium (CCB).
The purpose of [email protected] is simple: we call on internet users who voluntarily alert us when they receive a suspicious message, a so-called phishing message, by forwarding this message to [email protected]. We will then check the links and attachments of these forwarded messages. This process is fully automated. We will then have suspicious links blocked. In this way, less attentive internet users who have clicked on the link are also protected.
I am forwarding messages to [email protected] but what will happen to them?
Every day, we receive thousands of suspicious emails. In 2022, 6,000,000 messages were forwarded to [email protected]. The suspicious URLs from these emails are sent to Google SafeBrowsing and Microsoft SmartScreen. Browsers use this information to warn visitors about malicious websites.
Can I also forward suspicious text messages?
Suspicious text messages can also be forwarded to [email protected]. All you have to do is take a screenshot and forward it. Our technology can detect the links in those images. If the links point to malicious web pages, we can have those pages blocked.
I do not get a personal reply when I forward a message. Is that normal?
You will indeed not get a personal reply. We do not answer if your forwarded message was a phishing message. When you forward a suspicious message to [email protected], we reply with an acknowledgment. This is an automatic response to confirm that we have received your message correctly and explains what we will do with it. Forwarded messages to [email protected] allow us to block fake URLs in the message so that less attentive internet users do not fall into the trap. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of the message, chances are that it is indeed a phishing message. If you think the message may be genuine, contact the sender by phone for more information. Do not call the numbers mentioned in the message you have doubts about, but look for the right number yourself.
I am forwarding messages to [email protected]but I keep getting phishing e-mails? How is that possible?
If you forward a suspicious message, you are mainly helping attentive internet users. If users do not notice that a message is suspicious and they click on the link anyway, they will not be able to reach the suspicious website.
To receive fewer annoying phishing messages yourself, check out our tips at:
https://safeonweb.be/en/i-am-getting-lot-spam-and-phishing-e-mails-my-inbox
I am unable to forward messages to [email protected]. How is that possible?
Sometimes, people type a mistake in the email address. Check the spelling and then it will probably work.
I sometimes get a message that my message cannot be sent to [email protected]. What is going wrong?
Sometimes there are problems with forwarding messages. Your mailbox may mistake you for someone who is sending spam or phishing messages. This is the case when the message you want to forward is already known as a phishing message.
When should I forward messages?
You should forward suspicious messages as soon as possible. The sooner we act, the fewer victims are made.
Do I put myself at risk by forwarding messages?
You do not run any risk by forwarding a suspicious message. Be careful and do not unintentionally click on a link or attachment in a suspicious message. The CCB is not responsible for any mistakes made by users.
* Data protection
The CCB, as the national authority in charge of cyber security in Belgium, ensures that the legal provisions in the area of the security of personal data and electronic communication are complied with. If you have any questions about this topic, you can send them to the following e-mail address [email protected]
