Summary
Experts and documentation sources agree that caution is warranted regarding unsolicited emails about Oracle data selling settlements. These emails may be related to Oracle's advertising business shutdown or PII peddling activities. Always independently verify the email's legitimacy through official Oracle channels (website, legal department) or court records. Check for suspicious links, poor grammar, mismatched sender addresses, and requests for personal/financial data. Legitimate settlements don't require upfront payments. Forward suspicious emails to reportphishing@apwg.org and report to relevant authorities (FTC, ACCC). Assess email legitimacy by verifying sender authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC).
Key findings
- Oracle Connection: The email might be related to Oracle's advertising business shutdown or PII practices.
- Phishing Tactics: Phishing scams impersonate brands and use scare tactics or promises of rewards.
- Red Flags: Suspicious links, poor grammar, generic greetings, and mismatched sender addresses are red flags.
- Authentication Failures: A failure in SPF, DKIM, and DMARC sender verification records indicates a higher likelihood of illegitimacy.
- No Upfront Payments: Legitimate settlements do not request personal information, bank account details, or passwords in unsolicited emails, nor require any payment up front.
Key considerations
- Independent Verification: Independently verify the email via Oracle's official website, legal department, or court records, and contact those sources directly using official channels.
- Cautious Approach: Treat unsolicited emails with caution, especially those requesting personal information or promising settlements.
- Authentication Check: Implement and check SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records to assess sender validity
- Report Scams: Report suspicious emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (reportphishing@apwg.org) and relevant authorities like the FTC, BBB, or ACCC.
- Avoid Sharing Information: Never provide personal details, bank account details, or passwords in response to unsolicited emails.
What email marketers say
10 marketer opinions
The consensus among email marketers and security experts is to treat any unsolicited email regarding an Oracle data selling settlement with extreme caution. These emails often mimic legitimate companies and legal processes but may be phishing scams designed to steal personal information or money. Experts recommend independently verifying the legitimacy of the settlement through official channels, such as the court's website or the settlement administrator's page, and being wary of requests for personal information, upfront payments, or immediate action.
Key opinions
- Shutdown Tie-In: The Oracle data selling settlement email might be related to the shutdown of Oracle's advertising business.
- Verification Needed: Official channels must be used to verify settlement details.
- Red Flags: Suspicious links, generic greetings, and poor grammar are red flags.
- No Upfront Payments: Legitimate settlements don't ask for payment.
- Sender Address: Check that the sender address matches the company domain.
- Information Requests: Never share personal or bank details in response to an unsolicited email.
- Urgency Tactics: Scams use scare tactics or rewards to provoke quick action.
Key considerations
- Independent Verification: Independently verify any settlement email by contacting Oracle directly or checking the official court website.
- Email Verification: Confirm the legitimacy of the email by forwarding to reportphishing@apwg.org
- Cautious Approach: Adopt a cautious approach to any unsolicited emails requesting personal information or promising settlements, and think before you click.
- Report Suspicious Emails: Report suspicious emails to relevant authorities like the FTC or ACCC.
Marketer view
Email marketer from the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse shares that phishing scams often use scare tactics or promises of rewards to get you to act quickly. Always think before you click.
24 Aug 2021 - Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
Marketer view
Email marketer from Email Geeks guesses the email is related to Oracle's Advertising business, which Oracle announced they're shutting down.
31 Mar 2023 - Email Geeks
What the experts say
3 expert opinions
Experts suggest caution regarding Oracle data selling settlement emails. The emails likely stem from Oracle's PII peddling advertiser services. Legitimacy can be assessed by verifying sender authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and checking the email against known Oracle branding and language. Direct verification with Oracle or through their official website is crucial.
Key opinions
- Source of Settlement: The Oracle settlement is linked to Oracle's PII peddling advertiser services arm.
- Sender Authentication: Failure of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC indicates a higher chance of illegitimacy.
- Brand Impersonation: Phishing scams impersonate brands, making identification challenging.
Key considerations
- Verification Checks: Always perform sender authentication checks (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) on suspicious emails.
- Direct Verification: Verify the legitimacy of settlement emails by contacting Oracle directly through official channels (phone or website).
- Branding Awareness: Be wary of emails that closely mimic Oracle branding and language, as this is a tactic used in phishing scams.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks explains the Oracle settlement email is related to Oracle's PII peddling advertiser services arm, not any legitimate division.
26 Apr 2022 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource shares that phishing scams often impersonate brands using logos and language similar to the brand's marketing. He warns that it's difficult to tell if an email is a scam simply from looking at it and encourages extra verification via phone or by going to the website directly.
11 May 2025 - Spam Resource
What the documentation says
3 technical articles
Official documentation from the FTC, BBB, and Oracle all advise caution regarding unsolicited emails claiming to be about a data selling settlement from Oracle. It's crucial to independently verify the email's legitimacy by contacting Oracle directly through official channels or by checking Oracle's official website. Be wary of requests for sensitive information and report suspected scams.
Key findings
- Unsolicited Emails Risky: Consumers should be wary of unsolicited emails promising settlements.
- Impersonation Common: Scam emails often impersonate legitimate organizations, including Oracle.
- Check Official Channels: Official communications from Oracle regarding legal matters come through established channels and legal representatives.
Key considerations
- Independent Verification: Independently research the settlement and contact Oracle directly to verify the email's authenticity.
- Sender Analysis: Carefully check the sender's email address for inconsistencies.
- Report Scams: Report suspected scams to the FTC and other relevant authorities.
Technical article
Documentation from the BBB explains that scam emails often impersonate legitimate organizations and request sensitive information. They advise checking the sender's email address, looking for inconsistencies, and contacting the organization directly to confirm the email's validity.
25 Feb 2022 - BBB.org
Technical article
Documentation from the FTC explains that consumers should be wary of unsolicited emails promising settlements. It is crucial to research the settlement independently and contact the involved company directly to verify the information. They encourage reporting suspected scams to the FTC.
8 Sep 2023 - FTC.gov
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