In today’s digital world, scams are more common and more convincing than ever. From emails, texts, phone calls, etc., scammers are constantly finding news ways to trick people. This guide will help you spot the warning signs and avoid falling into common traps. You will also learn how you can prevent from being scammed.
Here are some common signs that you want to look out for:
# 1 Watch for urgent or threatening language. Scammers often create a sense of panic, like saying your account is going to close. They want you to act fast and carelessly.
# 2 Look closely at the sender of the message. Whether it is an email address, phone number or a weblink, you are going to want to double check for legitimacy. If it looks off, odds are it is. Remember, if a business is trying to contact you, you will see their business name somewhere in the email or weblink.
# 3 They might ask you to respond with personal information. Most companies will never ask for information this way so do not share your private information over text or email – and be careful when sharing information over the phone. Scammers will provide a fake phone number, so you think you’re calling the business but you’re really calling the scammer. Be sure you check the phone number to be sure you’re calling the business directly.
# 4 Beware of those “too good to be true” offers. You most likely will never win a prize that you didn’t enter. So, when someone says you’ve won a prize, the lottery, or inheritance but need to pay fees first, it’s a scam.
# 5 Your message might include links for you to pay an invoice, update your information, contact the vendor, etc. Avoid clicking links in emails or texts you weren’t expecting. These can lead to fake websites or malware.
Those are just common indicators that your message could be a scam. Below are steps you can take to protect yourself from any fraud.
- Monitor your accounts regularly throughout the week. If you haven’t already, be sure to enroll in online and mobile banking. You can even set up alert notifications to help you keep track of your account and funds.
- Use strong and unique passwords or phases when setting up important accounts. It helps if you use a phase for your password. Believe it or not, it’s easier to remember a phase rather than a word.
- Report any suspicious activity immediately to your financial institution. The faster you catch it, the better. Your financial institution can help protect your accounts, recover lost funds, and prevent further unauthorized access.
Preventing fraud comes down to staying alert. Scammers are always evolving their tactics, but with a little caution, like looking at the common signs listed above, you can steer clear of most traps. Always take a moment to pause, verify, and think before clicking. The more informed you are, the harder it is for a scam to succeed. Stay sharp and share these tips and signs with others so we can all protect our identity and financial information.
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