Brush Up on Your Cybercrime Spotting Skills

When it comes to cybercrime, it seems like there’s always some new threat. To stay safe, it’s a good idea to learn how to spot the latest scams. It pays to be careful.

Cybercrimes  are getting more and more sophisticated, and users need to be both aware and on guard, says the FBI.

Spotting Cyber Trouble

Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers and other information. These “phishing” emails and text messages try to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment, says the Federal Trade Commission. 

The FTC says scammers often change their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends. But there are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages. Below are some examples.

An unexpected email or text message may look like it’s from a company or organization you know or trust, like a bank, a credit card or utility company, online payment website or app, or the IRS. But the message could be from a scammer. To trick you into giving them your information, they may try to convince you that:

• They’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts
• There’s a problem with your account or your payment information
• That you need to confirm some personal or financial information
• They’re sending an invoice
• You need to click on a link to make a payment (these links have malware)
• You’re eligible to register for a government refund
• Offer a (fake) coupon for free stuff

All of these are examples of how they try to get you to click a link or send information that helps them steal from you. It’s important to stop and think about whether the request or offer is legitimate before you act. When real companies contact you, they will NOT send a link to update your payment information, for example.

Before you act, ask yourself: Do I have an account with this company? If the answer is “Yes,” reach out to them using a phone number or website you know is correct. Do not use any numbers, links or information in the suspicious communication.

What You Can Do

There are many steps you can take to help protect yourself from cybercrimes.

Be alert. Start by questioning any communication you receive. Especially be on guard when using any connected device. Don’t assume that a contact is who they say they are. Don’t trust that a text is from your bank. Don’t believe a call is really from your credit card company. Don’t trust any email urging you to click on a link and “Act Now.”

To help stay safe:

• Examine the email address in all correspondence. Examine website URLs before acting on any message.
• Don’t click on anything in unsolicited emails or text messages.
• Be careful what you share in social media accounts. Sharing your personal information can give scammers data they can use to harm you.
• Don’t send any type of money, gift card or payment to people you don’t know.
• Resist any calls for urgent action.
• Protect your systems and data.  Install anti-virus programs on your devices and keep it up to date.
• Guard your accounts by using a different strong passphrase for each.
• Block unwanted calls.
• Use a filter to block unwanted text messages.
• Use complex passwords. Never reuse them.
• Use two-factor authentication for accounts that offer it.

Learn more about how to keep yourself safe from scammers.

Sources: The Cyber Threat,  Federal Bureau of Investigation; On the Internet: Be Cautious When Connected,  FBI; How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams,  Federal Trade Commission, 2022