By Bob Paff, Founder, Automotive Service Business Network (ASBN)
We’ve all seen it. That “official notice” from a bank looks legitimate.
The email says your account will be suspended unless you click this link.
Or worse — a message that appears to come from you.
Email fraud isn’t new, but it’s getting smarter. The scammers now use artificial intelligence to write polished, believable messages that even the most careful reader might trust. And because of that, people are starting to lose faith in one of the simplest, most reliable forms of communication we’ve ever had.
At ASBN, we think it’s time to talk about the elephant in the room.
Email Still Matters
Despite the rise of instant messaging, chat apps, and social media, email remains the backbone of professional communication.
It’s direct, universal, and leaves a record — something no other tool can quite replace.
For automotive service professionals, suppliers, and industry partners, email is how quotes are sent, how orders are confirmed, and how relationships are built.
We rely on it because it works — or at least, it should.
The Problem: Spoofing and Spam
Modern spam isn’t just about cheap offers and shady links anymore. It’s about impersonation.
Attackers register look-alike domains, copy company branding, and pretend to be someone you trust — even your bank, your parts supplier, or a fellow shop.
This is called spoofing, and it’s one of the hardest threats to detect.
When a fake message looks like it came from a real person, trust becomes fragile. And when communication breaks down, everyone loses.
How ASBN Is Fighting Back
We believe in email as a vital part of our industry’s communication — and we’re doing our part to keep it safe.
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Server-level spam protection: All ASBN mail passes through advanced spam filters before it ever reaches a member inbox.
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Verified communication: We’re adding technical authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) so that when an email says it’s from
@asbn.ca, it truly is. -
Secure web forms: Visitors and members contact us through protected forms instead of raw email links, blocking spam bots and automated attacks.
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Human awareness: We continuously monitor suspicious mail and share what we learn with our community — because awareness is still the strongest shield.
What You Can Do
You don’t need to be a tech expert to stay safe. A few habits can protect your inbox and your business:
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Check the real sender address, not just the display name.
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The display name (what you see first) can be faked. Always inspect the actual email address behind the name.
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Examples of giveaways:
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A sender that shows “Royal Bank” but the address is
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. -
Addresses with long random strings or numbers are a red flag — e.g.:
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This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. -
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Legitimate organizations use clear, recognizable domains (e.g.,
@rbc.com,@asbn.ca,@your-supplier.com). If you see long numbers, odd misspellings, or strange subdomains, be suspicious.
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Tip: Hover over the sender name or the “From:” address in your client to see the full address before you click anything.
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Never click unexpected links, especially in “urgent” messages.
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Verify requests by calling the sender using a phone number you already have (don’t call a number listed in the suspicious email).
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Use strong passwords and change them periodically.
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Report suspicious emails — both to your email provider and to the organization being impersonated.
Why This Matters to All of Us
The automotive service industry thrives on communication — clear, honest, and dependable.
If we can’t trust our inbox, that communication breaks down.
By taking security seriously, ASBN isn’t just protecting its own reputation; it’s helping restore confidence across the industry.
When you see an email from ASBN, you should know it’s real, reliable, and safe to open.
In Closing
Email isn’t broken — it’s just under siege.
But with the right tools and a few simple habits, it remains one of the most powerful ways to connect professionals who make this industry run.
At ASBN, we’re committed to keeping communication open, secure, and worth trusting again.
