Don't Get Scammed Online: Spot the Signs
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Do you know the warning signs of online fraud? With National Cybersecurity Awareness Month just around the corner, now is the perfect time to sharpen your scam-spotting skills. In this blog, we'll help you learn how to identify and avoid these schemes so you can protect your personal and financial information.
We spend a lot of time on our screens—working, playing, shopping, and, of course, banking. Cybercriminals know this and are constantly crafting new ways to access our sensitive information. Let's look at some common financial scams and other social engineering tactics that cyber bad guys use and how to avoid being scammed.
Unsolicited Text Messages and Emails (Phishing Scams)
Unsolicited text messages and emails can create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act quickly and reveal sensitive information. They may contain misspellings or grammatical errors, links to unfamiliar websites, or requests for personal or financial information. Scammers often pose as banks, government agencies, and reputable companies to trick you into divulging sensitive information. To protect yourself from phishing emails or messages, never click on links or attachments in unsolicited messages, and don’t provide personal information in response to an email or text. If you're unsure if a message is legitimate, contact the company directly through a trusted channel.
Requests for Payment Using Gift Cards or Wire Transfers
Requests for payment using gift cards or wire transfers are a major red flag. Scammers may claim that these payment methods are necessary for security or convenience, but legitimate businesses will accept traditional payment methods like credit cards or checks. Never pay for anything using gift cards or wire transfers, especially if you don’t know the person or organization.
Pop-Up Alert Warning That Your Computer Is Infected
Alerts warning your computer is infected are designed to scare you into taking action. These messages may instruct you to call a number, navigate to a fake or malicious website, or download software to fix the problem. Never call the numbers provided or click on the pop-up messages or links that appear. Use reputable antivirus software to protect your computer, and if you’re concerned about a potential infection, contact a trusted computer technician.
Requests to Fill Out a Survey in Return for a Gift
Be cautious of unsolicited requests to complete surveys, especially if they promise a gift or reward in exchange. These surveys may be a trick to collect your sensitive data, which can then be used for identity theft or other fraudulent activities. Legitimate companies typically don’t offer significant rewards for simply filling out a survey.
Fake Job Listings
Fraudsters may post fake job listings to collect personal information or upfront fees from applicants. Be suspicious of job offers that require little to no experience, promise unusually high salaries, or ask for sensitive information like your Social Security number early in the application process. Legitimate employers will conduct thorough interviews and background checks, and they will never ask for payment to secure a job.
Bogus Charities Soliciting Donations
These scams exploit people’s generosity by posing as legitimate charities, especially after natural disasters or other crises. These scammers may use emotional appeals or high-pressure tactics to solicit donations. To protect yourself, research charities before donating and be wary of unsolicited requests for donations, especially those that come through phone calls or emails. Legitimate charities will provide clear information about their mission and how donations are used, and they won’t pressure you to donate immediately or through unusual payment methods.
Offers That Seem Too Good to Be True
These may include promises of easy money or unrealistic returns on investment, “free” offers that require you to provide personal information or pay a fee, or prizes or winnings from contests or lotteries that you didn’t enter. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do your research before participating in any offer or promotion, and be wary of unsolicited offers, especially those that come through email or social media.
Pressure Tactics
Pressure tactics are a common scam technique. Scammers may use threats of negative consequences if you don't comply, high-pressure sales tactics, or attempts to create a sense of fear or panic. Take your time and don’t be rushed into making a decision. If you feel pressured, hang up the phone or walk away. Trust your gut instinct. If something feels off, it probably is.
What To Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
- Contact Your Financial Institution Immediately: If you’ve shared your account information or made a payment, notify your bank or credit card company right away. They can help you take steps to protect your accounts and potentially recover any lost funds.
- Report the Scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC collects information about scams to help track down and stop fraudsters. You can report online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.
- Change Your Passwords: If you’ve shared any passwords or login credentials, change them immediately for all your online accounts.
- File a Police Report: If you’ve lost money or property to a scam, filing a police report can create an official record of the crime. Involving law enforcement may be helpful for insurance claims or future legal action.
- Be Wary of Follow-Up Scams: Scammers often target victims again, posing as someone who can help them recover their losses. Don’t fall for these “recovery” scams.
- Monitor Your Accounts and Credit Reports: Keep a close eye on your bank statements and credit reports for any suspicious activity. You can get free credit reports from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Remember, act quickly if you think you’ve been the victim of a money scam or believe your sensitive data has been breached. The sooner you act, the better your chances of minimizing any damage and potentially recovering your losses.
