We have recently been made aware of phishing emails being sent to our customers with the sender address appearing as lib_notices@hcplc.org, making it seem like the messages are coming from HCPLC. While that is the address that library account notifications come from (e.g., holds notifications, checkout receipts, etc.), these phishing emails are fraudulent and are not authorized by our library system. To address this issue and assist our customers effectively, please follow these general guidelines:

• Do Not Respond or Click Links: Avoid responding to the email or clicking any links or attachments.
• Delete the Email: Once marked as phishing, the email should be deleted to prevent accidental interaction.
• Contact Us Directly: If uncertain, call us at (813) 273-3652 or visit your library branch to verify the email's legitimacy.
• Verify Communications: We do not request sensitive personal information (e.g., passwords, Social Security numbers, payment information) via email.
• Look for Red Flags: Be aware of poorly written emails, suspicious links, or urgent requests for information. These are the hallmarks of phishing attempts.