Is GUCCI Having a big Sale? Be Careful!

This morning I received 3 copies of an e-mail from GUCCI's. The subject line said "Dear (my e-mail address) December 87% OFF!"  Several images (including this one) were included in the message.  At the bottom of the e-mail, in fine print, was some text indicating that I asked for this advertisement but I can undo my decision by clicking on the unsubscribe link. 

My first thought was, of course, to let GUCCI know how I felt about  them sending me this advertisement (3 times no less).  However upon closer examination of the e-mail several factors stuck out.  I'm telling you all about this just in case you get something similar in your e-mail box.

First off, the e-mail was received 3 freaking times at various times during the night.  You'd think the marketing department was smart enough to index their database table to only send the message out one time. 

Secondly, why would they advertise a December sale in April?  That seems sort of "fishy" doesn't it? 

Lastly (and perhaps the most important factor) is that every link in the e-mail message will take you to an obscure website and not anything close to "GUCCI.COM".  This, my friends, is most likely going to be bad news for you if you were to follow any links. 

Anytime you get an e-mail with links in it, the best practice is to not click on the link unless the URL matches the text in the e-mail.  In this case that wasn't the case.  You can always hover over any link and you should see a pop up of some sort that shows you where you will really go.  This e-mail was on the clever side as I've never seen one quite like it.  Normally these butthead's (and this is a nice word) will tell you that if  you don't log into your site that all your accounts will be closed for you. 

In conclusion, I'm betting this isn't something GUCCI sent out and following any link in this e-mail will cause you harm.  Once more the clowns that sent this e-mail actually put references to GUCCI's website to pull these images.  Look out for message like this in the near future as they'll try anything to get to you.  Also, treat your e-mail address as if it was your social security number.  Don't post it on a website for everyone to see.  If necessary, get a second e-mail address that you can send to websites if they say they require one. 


posted on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 6:44 AM by JFrum

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