Scammers today have upped their game – from phishing to telephone scams, they are active in multiple arenas to harm you and your business. They know how to steal your passwords, account details, or other personal data and make you a victim of cybercrime.
Now, we all know that being cautious is always better than keeping regrets. If you don’t want to fall prey to crooks and smart scammers, here are our tips to stay vigilant and avoid email scams.
Recognize Email Scams
In the US, email scams are rising at an alarming rate.
These scams look as if sent from a trusted source. You might get an email or text saying that your Apple device has been compromised, or receive a message where a scammer, impersonating an IRS employee, would want you to share your confidential information. Lately, coronavirus-themed phishing attacks are also on the rise where scammers try to take advantage of your vulnerable situation.
Generally, scammers use sophisticated and professional ways to come across as a genuine entity. Thus, it’s important to recognize which emails are coming from impostors and which are not. Here are common ways to recognize fake emails & texts:
- Incorrect URLs which scammers and hackers use to steal your confidential info
- They address you with “Dear customer” or “Hi,” – they do not use your first name
- Fraudsters try to scare you by showing a sense of urgency. Messages asking you to initiate a payment as quickly as possible or a limited period offer are mostly suspicious.
- Unsolicited messages with attachments
- Fake emails have typos and low-resolution images
- Emails informing you’ve won a lottery or a gift
You may mark many emails as spam, but scammers outsmart spam filters too. So, it is important to get some extra layers of protection. Here’s how you can do it:
Three Steps Approach to Avoid Scams
1. Use security software to protect your computer and update it to fight against new security threats.
2. Protect your accounts with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). It offers extra security by asking you to fill two or more credentials to log in to your account. These credentials could be either a pass-code you get via text message or an authentication app or a scan of your fingerprint, your retina, or your face.
3. Always have a data backup by copying your computer files to an external hard drive or cloud storage. Get it on your phone, too.
What to Do on Suspecting a Phishing Attack?
When you get an email or a text message asking you to click on the link attached, ask yourself two questions:
– Do I have an account with the company?
– Do I know the person that contacted me?
If it’s a no, it is a phishing scam. So, report the message as a scam and delete it. If it’s a yes, contact the company and confirm whether they have sent you an email asking for specific information or to open the links and attachments. Information can be useful, but attachments and links can come with malware.
What to Do If You Responded to a Phishing Email?
If you accidentally respond to scammers and pass on important information like your Social Security, credit card details, or bank account number, file a report with the cybercrime team. They will guide you on what is to be done.
In addition to this, if you clicked on a suspicious link or opened an attachment, update your computer’s security software and run a scan. This will help you prevent a potential security risk.
Click here for more examples of scam emails. Also, here and here.
Be aware and be safe!
