Cybersecurity Corner | Protect Yourself from Scams and Fraud: A Guide to Recognizing and Avoiding Common Threats

Hello, Friends!

I wanted to take a moment to share some important information about the scams and frauds that are unfortunately becoming all too common in our world today. Many of us are constantly bombarded with phone calls, text messages, and emails from unknown sources. I know firsthand how scary it can be to not know who is on the other end. The feeling of uncertainty and the fear of being tricked into giving away sensitive information is all too real.

But here's the good news: we don’t have to live in fear. The more we know, the better we can protect ourselves, our families, and our friends from these threats. So, let’s educate ourselves about some of the most common scams that we might encounter.

1. Phishing: The Scam You Need to Watch Out For

Phishing is one of the most common and dangerous types of fraud out there. It involves fraudsters sending emails or text messages pretending to be a company or organization that we know or do business with. These messages typically ask us to confirm, update, or change our account or login information by clicking on a link, scanning a QR code, or calling a phone number included in the message.

Here's the key takeaway: NEVER do this! Legitimate companies will NEVER ask you to do any of these things through email or text messages. Your password should be a secret, and no company, friend, or family member should be asking you to share it.

2. Tactics Used by Scammers to Trick You

Scammers are clever, and they know exactly how to push your buttons. Here are a few things to look out for that can help you identify phishing attempts:

• Urgent Messages About Account Security or Money: Phishing scams often create a sense of urgency, telling you that your account has been compromised or that there's an issue with a payment. These are tactics designed to make you panic and act without thinking.
• Slight URL Variations: One of the most common tricks scammers use is to send you a link that looks legitimate, but if you look closely, the URL will have small, subtle differences. A letter might be replaced with a number, or the domain name might be slightly altered. Always check the URL carefully before clicking on any link.
• Requests for Personal Information: Scammers may ask for personal information such as passwords, social security numbers, or banking details. A legitimate company will never ask for sensitive information via text, email, or phone call.

3. Take Your Time: Look Before You Click

It’s easy to be swept up in a moment of urgency, but scammers rely on our quick reactions. Whether it's an email, phone call, or a social media ad, always take a moment to think before you act. Here are a few tips to protect yourself:

• Does the URL Look Right?: Before you click on any link in an email or text, double-check the website address. If the URL looks odd or unfamiliar, don’t click on it.
• Who is the Email From?: Pay close attention to the sender’s email address. Does it look like it’s coming from a trusted source? Be wary of slight variations in the name or domain.
• Were You Expecting the Message?: If you receive a text or email saying your transaction didn’t go through or that you need to confirm a purchase, stop and think. Were you expecting that? Did you make that purchase? Scammers often rely on unsolicited messages to catch you off guard.

4. Slow Down and Think

The best defense against scams and fraud is to take a moment to slow down and think. If something seems off or too good to be true, it probably is. Take your time to verify the legitimacy of the message before you click on any links or provide any personal information.

Final Thoughts

We all want to stay safe and secure in today’s digital world. The more we educate ourselves and others about these threats, the better equipped we will be to avoid falling victim to scams. Keep your personal information safe, stay vigilant, and always question any unexpected communication asking for sensitive details.

Stay safe, stay aware, and let’s help protect each other from fraud!

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope this information helps you stay one step ahead of scammers.