Phishing, Vishing, and Smishing
Criminals are after your information, using scare tactics, sense of urgency, they use technology to contact you. These are the most common tactics used today.
Phishing
What it is-A scam where fraudsters send emails pretending to be from reputable companies or organizations to trick you into revealing personal information, like passwords or credit card numbers.
Hot to Spot it-Look for misspelled words, poor grammar, and unsolicited requests for personal information. Legitimate companies typically don’t ask for sensitive details via email.
What to do-Never click on links or download attachments from suspicious emails. Instead, contact the company directly through official channels if you’re unsure.
Vishing
What it is- Short for “voice phishing,” it’s a phone scam where fraudsters impersonate legitimate institutions to steal your personal or financial information.
How to spot it- Be wary of unsolicited calls asking for personal information or demanding immediate action, often under the threat of penalties.
What to do-Hang up and call the institution directly using a verified number from their official website or your account statements, not the number provided in the call.
Smishing
What it is-A form of phishing that uses SMS (text messages) to lure recipients into providing personal information or clicking on malicious links.
How to spot it-Suspicious texts from unknown senders, especially those including urgent requests for personal information or prompting you to click on a link.
What to do-Do not respond to or click on links in text messages from numbers you don’t recognize. Instead, delete the message.
Remember, staying informed and cautious is your best defense against these scams. When in doubt, consult with a trusted friend or family member before taking any action. Follow the series on technology for more information.
