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Phishing Scams—An In-Depth Look &
How to Avoid Falling Prey (July, 2024)
phishing-scams-and-how-to-avoid-them-july-2024

What Are Phishing Scams? Phishing scams are a type of cyber-attack where criminals impersonate legitimate organizations to trick individuals into providing sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and personal identification details. These scams often arrive via email, text messages, or fraudulent websites, appearing to come from trustworthy sources like banks, social media platforms, or online services.

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Not today, “user12092@nt.com” …

Common Types of Phishing Scams:

  1. Email Phishing: Fraudulent emails that appear to be from reputable sources, asking recipients to click on a link or download an attachment.
  2. Spear Phishing: Targeted phishing aimed at a specific individual or organization, using personal information to make the scam more convincing.
  3. Clone Phishing: Duplicating legitimate emails and changing the content to include malicious links or attachments.
  4. Whaling: Phishing attacks targeted at high-profile individuals like executives or politicians.
  5. SMiShing: Phishing attempts conducted through SMS (text messages). (common)
  6. Vishing: Phishing conducted via voice calls, where the scammer poses as a legitimate representative to extract personal information and/or gift cards.

 

fake paypal phishing scam july 2024How to Avoid Phishing Scams:

  1. Verify the Sender: Check the email address or phone number of the sender. Look for slight misspellings or unusual domains that could indicate a fake address.
  2. Be Skeptical of Urgency: Phishing messages often create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act quickly without thinking. Be cautious of such tactics.
  3. Inspect Links Before Clicking: Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking. Ensure it matches the legitimate website’s address.
  4. Do Not Share Personal Information: Never provide personal information through email or over the phone unless you are certain of the recipient’s identity.
  5. Use Security Software: Employ comprehensive security solutions that include anti-phishing features to detect and block malicious content.
  6. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security to your accounts can help prevent unauthorized access even if your credentials are compromised.
  7. Keep Software Updated: Ensure that your operating system, browsers, and applications are up-to-date with the latest security patches.
  8. Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the latest phishing techniques and educate those around you to recognize and avoid scams.

By understanding the various forms of phishing scams and adopting best practices to safeguard your information, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of these deceitful tactics. Stay vigilant and always verify before you trust.