How to Spot Fake LinkedIn Premium Subscription Renewal Emails Targeting Australian Small Businesses

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to Spot Fake LinkedIn Premium Subscription Renewal Emails Targeting Australian Small Businesses. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Phishing emails pretending to be LinkedIn Premium subscription renewal notices are increasingly targeting Australian small business owners. These fraudulent messages aim to trick recipients into clicking malicious links and entering their LinkedIn credentials on fake login pages. Once attackers have your login details, they can hijack your professional profile, access your network, and potentially use your identity to scam your clients or contacts.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Do not click any links or download attachments in the suspicious email.
2. Check the sender's email address carefully for misspellings or unusual domains.
3. Hover over any links to reveal the actual destination URL before clicking.
4. Log in to LinkedIn directly by typing linkedin.com into your browser, not via email links.
5. Delete the email and report it as phishing in your email client.

Detailed Instructions

1. Inspect the Sender Address

Open the email and look at the From field. Legitimate LinkedIn emails come from addresses ending in @linkedin.com or @email.linkedin.com. Be wary of addresses using public domains like @gmail.com, @outlook.com, or misspelled variations such as @linkedin-support.com or @lnkedin.com.

2. Look for Urgency and Generic Greetings

Fake renewal emails often use urgent language such as "Your account will be suspended" or "Immediate payment required." They may also address you generically as "Dear User" or "Dear Customer" instead of using your full name. LinkedIn typically personalises official communications with your name.

3. Hover Before You Click

Move your mouse pointer over any button or link in the email without clicking. Most email clients and web browsers will display the actual destination URL at the bottom of the window. If the link does not point to a linkedin.com domain, do not click it.

4. Check for Poor Spelling and Grammar

Australian English spelling conventions (such as organisation and analyse) are often missing from phishing emails. Look for awkward phrasing, incorrect capitalisation, or spelling errors in the message body.

5. Log In Directly to Verify Your Subscription

If you are unsure whether your LinkedIn Premium subscription is actually due for renewal:

1. Open your web browser and go to linkedin.com.
2. Sign in using your email address and password.
3. Click your profile picture in the top navigation bar and select Settings & Privacy.
4. Navigate to Subscriptions or Payment & billing to view your active plan and next billing date.

6. Report and Delete the Email

In Microsoft Outlook or Outlook on the web:

1. Select the suspicious email.
2. Click the Report button in the toolbar.
3. Choose Report phishing.
4. Delete the email from your inbox and Deleted Items folder.

In Gmail:

1. Open the email.
2. Click the three vertical dots (More) next to the reply button.
3. Select Report phishing.
4. Delete the message.

When to Contact Support

If you believe your LinkedIn account has been compromised or you need help securing your business email against phishing attacks, Open a Ticket with 220 Internet Services.

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