Who doesn’t love getting invited to a party? Unfortunately, scammers are now exploiting that excitement — and preying on your fear of missing out — with phishing emails disguised as digital invitations. Many of these emails spoof legitimate platforms such as Evite, Punchbowl, and Paperless Post. All three sites have recently issued warnings to users, sharing examples of fraudulent messages and tips on how to verify whether an invitation is legitimate.The emails include links that direct recipients to malicious websites. Clicking them can lead to malware downloads or prompt users to enter personal information, such as login credentials.One way to spot a phishing attempt is to hover over links without clicking. Legitimate invitations should direct users to official domains like evite.com, punchbowl.com or paperlesspost.com — not unfamiliar or misspelled web addresses.Users should be cautious of unexpected invitations, especially from unknown senders. Even if the message appears to come from someone you know, it’s best to confirm directly. Scammers may gain access to email accounts and send fraudulent invitations from compromised contacts.If you encounter this scam, report it to the platform being impersonated and to the Federal Trade Commission. You should also mark the message as phishing to alert your email provider and help prevent similar scams from reaching others.Stay Connected with the National Consumer UnitGet clear, actionable consumer reporting delivered across platforms.Follow National Consumer Correspondent Allie Jasinski for real-time updates, myth-busting videos and behind-the-scenes reporting on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.Have a question you’d like us to investigate? Email us at askallie@hearst.com.
Who doesn’t love getting invited to a party? Unfortunately, scammers are now exploiting that excitement — and preying on your fear of missing out — with phishing emails disguised as digital invitations.
Many of these emails spoof legitimate platforms such as Evite, Punchbowl, and Paperless Post. All three sites have recently issued warnings to users, sharing examples of fraudulent messages and tips on how to verify whether an invitation is legitimate.
The emails include links that direct recipients to malicious websites. Clicking them can lead to malware downloads or prompt users to enter personal information, such as login credentials.
One way to spot a phishing attempt is to hover over links without clicking. Legitimate invitations should direct users to official domains like evite.com, punchbowl.com or paperlesspost.com — not unfamiliar or misspelled web addresses.
Users should be cautious of unexpected invitations, especially from unknown senders. Even if the message appears to come from someone you know, it’s best to confirm directly. Scammers may gain access to email accounts and send fraudulent invitations from compromised contacts.
If you encounter this scam, report it to the platform being impersonated and to the Federal Trade Commission. You should also mark the message as phishing to alert your email provider and help prevent similar scams from reaching others.
Stay Connected with the National Consumer Unit
Get clear, actionable consumer reporting delivered across platforms.
Follow National Consumer Correspondent Allie Jasinski for real-time updates, myth-busting videos and behind-the-scenes reporting on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Have a question you’d like us to investigate? Email us at askallie@hearst.com.