Scammers hack into your computer to access information or money. In 2023, a reported $10 billion has been lost to scams and fraud. As the amount of money lost continues to build up, it is important to be aware. Today, I will be introducing you to some of the most common methods that scammers use, so that you can spot them when they happen.
Number one, the first and most common method that scammers use is called phishing emails. Phishing emails will be sent to you from a well known company such as Microsoft or Chase. After that they will come up with a convincing method such as saying your Chase account has been declined and telling you to click a link to solve this problem. Warning, don’t click the link! After you have clicked the link a hacking software will install itself into your computer. Then they’ll create a fake login page and ask you to enter your password. After that has been completed they will have complete access to your actual account and can take money from your account. Other than taking money, many scammers will also try to uncover sensitive information or install software into your device.
How would you spot these scams? First the email or text may come from someone important or a common business. Instead of clicking the link provided, go to the real website and talk to someone if you believe that it is real. Other than that, many of these scams will include something enticing or have a sense of urgency inside. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Even though they can’t directly harm you if you open or respond to the email/text many issues could arise. Most importantly, you are now on their radar, they know they have hooked you. Bad grammar/spelling can also be clues. The links sent will also not match their domain: another sign of a scam.
If you have been scammed, or believe you may have there are a couple steps you may complete. First, change all your important passwords into something more complex and different than what you had before. Contact your bank or credit card company to inform them of the issue. Block the sender and report it as spam. You can also install antivirus software to scan your device for viruses. Just remember that if you have been scammed or believe you have it’s not the end of the world, there are still steps you can take.
Related Stories:
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-are-some-common-types-of-scams-en-2092/
https://www.tripwire.com/state-of-security/top-scam-techniques-what-you-need-to-know
https://digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu/en/community/online-discussions/learning-how-scam-works
Take Action:
https://www.usa.gov/where-report-scams
https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams
