Hook, Line, and Sinker: How to Avoid Phishing and Smishing Scams
Today, we're diving into the treacherous waters of phishing and smishing scams. First, what is phishing and smishing?
Phishing: the fraudulent practice of sending emails or other messages claiming to be from reputable companies in order to persuade individuals to reveal personal information, such as login credentials and credit card numbers.
Smishing: the fraudulent practice of sending text messages pretending to be from reputable companies in order to entice individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers.
Imagine you're a clever little fish, swimming along merrily when suddenly, a shiny, tempting bait appears before your eyes. But wait! Don't take the bait! Let's explore some tips and tricks to keep those scam artists from reeling you in.
1. "Fishy" Messages and Emails
If you receive an email from a mysterious prince in a far-away land, promising untold riches, press that delete button. If you ever surprisingly fall into some form of ‘riches’, you’ll likely find out from a legal source such as a lawyer or letter in the mail. It won’t be an email that gives you suspicious instructions.
If you receive an email from a seemingly legitimate organization, remember, they will never ask for personal information through email. If something smells fishy, it probably is! Stay vigilant and watch out for suspicious email addresses, poor grammar, or urgent demands.
2. The Sneaky Texts
Ah, smishing—the art of scamming through text messages. A message pops up on your phone: "Congratulations! You've won a luxury cruise!" Before you break out the confetti, take a step back and think. Did you even enter a contest? Be cautious of unexpected prize notifications, requests for personal information, or prompts to click on suspicious links. Instead of taking the bait, you can simply delete the text or, better yet, report it to your mobile carrier. No luxury cruises for these scammers!
3. Cast Your Eyes on the Link
Be aware of the hyperlink! One of the most common phishing techniques is tricking you into clicking a malicious link. One of the biggest smishing text scams that go around to everyday people is the common ‘mail service provider’ text that includes a link to ‘tracking your package’ or a link after stating ‘your package was undeliverable’.
If on a computer with a mouse, before you click, hover your cursor over the link (without clicking it). Check if the website address matches the one displayed in the email or message. If it looks sketchy or unfamiliar, swim away!
If you’re not on a device where you can hover, ignore it, delete the text, and check your actual tracking through your order confirmation email, or directly to where you’ve ordered the product for the tracking number and check it through the legit mail service carrier’s website.
4. Let Technology Be Your Lifesaver
In this digital age, we have an arsenal of tools to keep us safe from those pesky ‘phishermen’ and smishers. Arm yourself with up-to-date antivirus software, firewalls, and anti-phishing browser extensions.
Keep your devices and software updated, as they often include security patches that protect against new threats.
Staying vigilant and not taking the bait is the key to avoiding phishing and smishing scams. By keeping your eyes open, employing your common sense, and using the tools at your disposal, you can swim through the vast ocean of the internet unscathed. So, arm yourself with knowledge, and let's outsmart those crafty scammers. Together, we'll surf the digital waves with confidence and avoid becoming the next catch of the day!
If you ever do fall victim to a scam (or, think you may have made a bad choice online), reach out to CSE and/or all of your financial partners. It’s best to get ahead of potential scammers rather than watch your bank accounts drained.
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