Email phishing is a type of an online scam where attackers pretend to be from a legitimate organization. The objective is to get your information after you click the link in the email.
REMEMBER!
1. Check the email address domain in the sender's email address
Legitimate companies will always use their official domains. Watch out for fake domain addresses with a mismatch on the sender's name
2. Watch for errors in grammar
Grammar and even spelling errors are common elements of a phishing email.
Emails are crucial to customer communication, so it is important that legitimate companies invest in tools that check grammar and spelling. Be on the lookout for emails with too many grammar or spelling mistakes.
3. Hover the pointer over any links in the email
A window will then show the domain name of the link and if it does not match the company who emailed you, it is a strong warning sign of a phishing email
All it takes is a click – Do not be tempted to click the attachment to authenticate the files. Malware may be maliciously introduced to your device with just a click.
4. Suspicious Attachments
Make it a habit to read all the contents in the email before clicking any attachment in the email. Watch for warning signs listed above.
Be vigilant with the file extensions – Fraudsters often use office files like .Doc, .Docx, and .Docm which typically contain scripts set to infect your device.
This is a type of phishing where an attacker deceives a victim via SMS into sharing their personal information. The message typically includes a clickable link which can introduce Mobile Malware maliciously installed in their devices or a website that will collect sensitive information from the victim.
Reminders
Even if these scammers do not get your bank information, they can get valuable things from you in the form of personal information. They will use these accounts to scam your friends and loved ones.
Never reply to these messages. Although it's tempting to call them up or tell them to stop, this will only encourage them to message you again as they will know that your phone number is active.
Don’t tap the link in suspicious message! Some of these scams are made to introduce malware, and usually, all that requires clicking the link.
Remember!
The message contains suspicious links which will lead to a website where your personal information will be asked or even spread malware to your device.
A random message from a number not in your contact list.
Free gifts/products – The message promises a free service or product which is usually followed by a time-sensitive clause for you to claim the service/product.
A financial institution or a known brand you are familiar with reached out to you. The message usually contains an urgent request for you to prove your identity by sharing your information by clicking a link.
A social engineering technique to steal information using voice calls and automated voice recording. The attacker’s objective is to deceive people by sharing their personal information by pretending to be representatives of legitimate organizations.
Remember!
They are warning you that your account is unsafe, and they would need your information to verify that you are the account holder to stop the attack.
Do not trust the Caller ID - There is a technology available to attackers which copies an organization's caller ID to deceive victims. A best practice approach is to reach out to the company's directory to validate the issue.
As the goal is to steal your information, the caller will be asking for personal information such as your banking credentials, birth date and even full names and addresses. This is information that the attacker does not have and will be used to compromise your financial accounts.
A caller scam is a type of fraud where individuals or organizations use phone calls to deceive people into providing personal information, money, or access to their computer systems. These scams can take various forms, such as impersonating government officials, utility companies, tech support representatives, or even family members in distress.