Outsmarting Online Phishing and Tech Scams

Hello again, Scam Wise readers! In this issue, we’re focusing on online scams and tech trickery that many North Americans are encountering. From phony tech support calls to sneaky phishing emails, scammers are constantly trying to weasel their way into our digital lives. We’re here with friendly guidance on how to spot these high-tech cons and protect yourself (and your devices).

Scam Prevention Tips

• Think Before You Click: Phishing emails and texts often look legit – maybe a “security alert” from your bank or a notice from Amazon. Don’t click links or download attachments unless you’re 100% sure of the source. Instead, navigate to the company’s official website yourself or call their verified support line. Scammers use urgent language and scare tactics (“Your account will be closed!”) to rush you. Slow down and verify through official channels.
• Beware of Tech Support Pop-Ups: If you get an alarming pop-up on your computer saying “VIRUS DETECTED – Call Microsoft at 1-800-XXX” – don’t call that number! This is a classic tech support scam. Legitimate tech companies never display personal phone numbers for support in pop-ups . Close your browser (or reboot if needed). If you’re concerned, call a known reputable computer repair service. Remember: Never give a stranger remote access to your computer unless you initiated contact with a verified support team.
• Secure Your Accounts: Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on important accounts. This won’t stop scams from being attempted, but it greatly reduces damage if you ever do accidentally divulge a password. A scammer who tricks you into giving your email password still can’t get in if you have 2FA texted to your phone, for example. Also, keep your devices’ antivirus and security software up to date – they can sometimes catch phishing pages or malicious downloads before you do.
• No “Refund” Overpayments: A common online job or seller scam involves someone “accidentally” sending you too much money (often via a fake check or stolen card ) and then asking you to refund the difference. Never send money or gift cards back for an overpayment. Real companies don’t randomly overpay and ask for refunds – this is a trap to steal real money from you before their original payment bounces. If you get paid with a check for any gig, wait for your bank to fully clear it (which can take weeks) before spending or returning funds. Better yet, insist on safer payment methods (like credit card or escrow) for online transactions.

Real Scenario – The Fake “Bank Security” Call

Let’s look at a real-world tech scam that combines phishing and impersonation . In early 2025, a 76-year-old gentleman was targeted by scammers who convinced him his bank account was at risk . It started with what appeared to be a computer virus alert. The “tech support” scammer on the phone then claimed to be noticing suspicious activity in his bank and needed his help to safeguard his money. They instructed him to withdraw $30,000 in cash , warning him not to tell bank staff because “an employee there is corrupt”. Alarmed but believing he was preventing theft, the victim withdrew the cash. The scammer then directed him to a so-called “secure FDIC machine” at a gas station – in reality, a Bitcoin ATM . Under the scammer’s guidance, he deposited all $30,000 into a cryptocurrency address, effectively handing it to the fraudsters. They weren’t done – the criminals tried to get another $35,000 by instructing him to liquidate stock holdings. Thankfully, at that stage the man grew suspicious (they wanted him to send cash home with a courier next), and he contacted his bank and the police. This incident is a mash-up of scams: fake virus alert, fake bank official, crypto ATM payment – truly elaborate. The lesson: banks will never ask you to withdraw cash or transfer funds to another account to “protect” it , nor will any real tech support involve your bank accounts. This gentleman’s story had a partial happy ending – he stopped the second transfer – but the initial $30k was gone for good, since crypto transactions are irreversible.

Scam Radar – Tech Support & Impersonator Scams Surge

On our radar this month is a worrisome trend: tech support and government impersonation scams are skyrocketing . According to fresh FBI data, Americans lost roughly $1.3 billion in 2023 to scammers pretending to be government officials or tech support. That’s a record-breaking total and about seven times higher than just a few years before. The surge is fueled by crafty tactics. For instance, many tech support scams now start with web pop-up ads or fake error messages that look legitimate. Scammers also reach out via phone, email, even text, pretending to be Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, or your internet provider. Older adults have been particularly hard hit by these schemes – over half the money lost to tech support scams in 2023 came from people above 60 (criminals assume seniors might be less tech-savvy, though anyone can be fooled). Another trending twist: scammers may cite well-known companies. The FTC noted that Best Buy’s “Geek Squad” and Amazon were among the most impersonated brands recently. So if you get an unsolicited “customer support” call or email , be extremely cautious. The bottom line from the data: Impersonation scams are at an all-time high . Whether it’s someone claiming “I’m from Microsoft, you have a virus” or “This is the IRS, you owe back taxes,” these ploys are raking in money for fraudsters. Stay on alert and remember that legit companies don’t cold-call to fix your computer , and U.S. government agencies won’t call you threatening arrest out of the blue. Always verify claims through official websites or known phone numbers.

Featured Tool: Aura All-in-One Digital Security

Since this issue deals with online and tech threats, let’s highlight Aura , an all-in-one digital security and identity protection service. Aura is like having a personal cyber bodyguard. It monitors your sensitive information (SSNs, bank accounts, emails, etc.) across the dark web and alerts you in near-real-time if your data is compromised in a breach. How does this help with scams? Imagine a scammer phishes your email login – Aura can warn you if that email/password combo later shows up for sale online, prompting you to secure your account ASAP. Aura also includes features like a VPN for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi, antivirus software to block malware (like those nasty fake tech support pop-ups), and even a password manager to help you create and store strong passwords. One standout feature is fraud transaction monitoring on your bank and credit cards: if a scammer somehow gets your card info, Aura’s alerts might tip you off to strange charges faster than you’d notice on your own. They even offer identity theft insurance for peace of mind. Using a service like Aura doesn’t make you invincible – you still need to stay scam-smart – but it significantly reduces the window of opportunity for criminals and provides tools to protect your digital life. If you’re frequently online or just want added confidence that someone’s watching your back (and your info), check out Aura here for comprehensive protection.

Affiliate Link Disclaimer: The Aura link above is an affiliate link. We may receive a commission if you sign up, at no additional cost to you. We believe Aura’s features are genuinely useful in the fight against evolving scams, which is why we’re comfortable recommending it.

Quick Takeaways

• Phishing is everywhere: Treat unsolicited emails or texts with links like live grenades – don’t click until you verify the sender. When in doubt, navigate to the official site or app on your own.
• Tech support doesn’t call you: Pop-up or call saying “I’m from Microsoft, you have a virus”? It’s a scam. Never give remote computer access or pay for surprise “repairs”. Legit support waits for you to contact them .
• Impersonator scams breaking records: Losses to fake tech support/government agents hit new highs, over $1.3 billion last year . Remain skeptical of any urgent demand by someone claiming authority.
• Protect your accounts: Use strong passwords and 2FA. That way even if you slip up on a phishing attempt, you’ve got an extra line of defense. Keep security software updated – it can catch some threats for you.
• Aura for peace of mind: Consider an all-in-one security solution like Aura to get alerts if your data is leaked, plus tools like VPN and antivirus. It’s like having a digital guard dog watching out for fraud 24/7.

Stay safe online and remember: your prudence is the best firewall against scams!