Beware of phishing emails. These messages usually direct the user to a spoofed website or get the user to divulge private information. “I urge everyone to read a solicitation carefully and to research the entity before making a donation,” said SC Secretary of State Mark Hammond. “While legitimate charities see Florence as an opportunity to help their communities, others see it as a chance to take advantage of others’ generosity.” The Secretary of State’s Office does not ask donors to contribute to a specific charity. The following are a few tips from Return Path, an e-mail deliverability expert.

• Don’t trust the display name. If it looks suspicious, don’t open the email.

• Look but don’t click. If the link address looks questionable, don’t click on it.

• Check for spelling mistakes. Legitimate messages usually do not have major spelling mistakes or poor grammar.

• Analyze the salutation. Is the email addressed to a vague “Undisclosed Recipient?” If so, watch out.

• Don’t give up personal information. Legitimate companies will never ask for personal credentials via email.

• Beware of “over-the-top” language. Invoking a sense of urgency or fear is a common phishing tactic.

• Review the signature. Lack of details about the signer or how you can contact a company strongly suggests a phish. Legitimate businesses always provide contact details.

• Don’t click on attachments. Malware can damage files on your computer, steal your passwords or spy on you without your knowledge. Notify the Secretary of State of any concerns you have about a charitable solicitation. Find the Online Charitable Solicitation Complaint Form at https://nws.southcarolina.egov.com/forms/sos/charitablesolicitationcomplaint to confidentially file a complaint with the Division of Public Charities, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also call the Division of Public Charities at 1-888-CHARITI (242-7484).