Welcome & Spotting Phishing Scams
Hello and welcome to Be Scam Wise Newsletter ! In this series, we’ll help you stay one step ahead of fraudsters by breaking down common scams and how to avoid them. Scams are on the rise – U.S. consumers reported losing a staggering $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, with imposter scams once again topping the list of reported scams. It’s more important than ever to stay informed and vigilant.
Phishing Scams 101
One of the most common threats you’ll encounter is phishing – fake emails or texts that impersonate companies to steal your information. These messages often look legit, claiming things like “Your account is suspended” or “You’re out of cloud storage” when it’s not true. The goal is to trick you into clicking a malicious link and entering sensitive data or downloading malware.
How to Spot a Phishing Attempt:
- Check the Sender: Scammers often use addresses that appear official at first glance. Look closely for misspellings or odd domains.
- Don’t Click Links (When in Doubt): If an email says you need to update payment info or verify your account, don’t click the email’s link . Instead, go directly to the company’s website or app yourself to confirm any issue.
- Urgency and Threats: Be wary of subject lines like “Act Now or Account Will Close!” Legitimate companies rarely demand immediate action under threat. Scammers use panic to cloud your judgment.
- Out-of-the-Blue Messages: If you get an unexpected notice about an account you don’t even have (for example, a cloud storage warning from a service you don’t use), it’s definitely a scam. Delete it.
If you suspect a phishing email or text, do not reply or click anything . You can report phishing emails to authorities (e.g. forward to reportphishing@apwg.org) and delete them. Staying cautious will keep your personal information safe.
Call to Action: Protect your devices – consider using a trusted security suite like Norton 360 for anti-phishing protection and malware blocking. This adds an extra layer of defense in case you accidentally click a bad link. Stay safe online, and see you next month for more scam-wise tips!