How to Protect Yourself from Phishing Scams

Cybercriminals are constantly evolving, and phishing is one of their most common tactics. This article will cover what phishing is, the different methods cybercriminals use, and how to avoid falling victim.

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a social engineering scam where criminals pose as legitimate institutions to steal sensitive information like usernames, passwords, Social Security numbers, or credit card details. It often comes in the form of fake emails, texts, or phone calls.

A Brief History of Phishing

The term "phishing" emerged in the mid-1990s when hackers used emails and instant messages to trick AOL users into sharing personal data. By the early 2000s, phishers targeted financial institutions like eBay and PayPal, asking users to update account info and stealing their credentials.

How Phishing Works

Phishers exploit fear, urgency, and curiosity, sending fraudulent messages that look legitimate but include malicious links or attachments. It’s essential to think before clicking on any message or link, as these attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

Types of Phishing Attacks

• Bulk Phishing: Mass emails that promise money, refunds, or warn of account issues.
• Spear Phishing: Targeted attacks based on personal information to seem more legitimate.
• Whaling: Targeting high-level executives for their login credentials.
• Clone Phishing: Replicating a legitimate message but replacing links with harmful ones.
• Business Email Compromise (BEC): Scams targeting businesses to reveal sensitive information or transfer money.
• Social Media & Voice Phishing: Hijacking social accounts or impersonating companies via phone.

How to Detect Phishing

• Spelling & Grammar Mistakes: Legitimate companies don’t send poorly written emails.
• Requests for Personal Information: Be cautious of messages asking for sensitive data.
• Urgency or Too Good to Be True Offers: If it sounds too good or too urgent, it likely is a scam.
• Suspicious Email Addresses: Slight variations in the sender’s email can be a red flag.
• Unexpected Attachments or Links: Avoid clicking unknown attachments or hyperlinks without verifying their authenticity.

Always trust your instincts and please feel free verify suspicious messages by contacting the Computer Geeks directly.

Common Phishing Scams

Netflix Phishing Scheme: One of the most common phishing attacks targets Netflix users. Scammers send emails that look like they’re from Netflix, often claiming there’s an issue with your account or billing information. The email asks you to click a link to resolve the problem, but that link leads to a fake website designed to steal your login credentials or payment information. The sender’s email address and the urgency of the message are key red flags, along with poor grammar or strange links.

Amazon Phishing Scheme: This phishing scam involves emails that appear to be from Amazon, typically warning of a problem with your order or account. The email urges you to verify your information or track a non-existent order via a link. However, the link directs you to a fake Amazon site that captures your login details or personal information. These emails often have unusual sender addresses and sometimes feature poor spelling or grammar, signaling they are fraudulent.

IRS Phishing Scheme: During tax season, scammers frequently impersonate the IRS to trick victims into handing over sensitive data. Emails or phone calls claim there’s an issue with your tax return or that you owe money and must pay immediately. The IRS never contacts individuals via email or phone for payment demands, so any such communication is likely a phishing attempt. Scammers use fear and urgency, threatening audits or fines to pressure you into acting quickly.

Text Phishing (Smishing)

In this type of scam, you receive a text message from what appears to be a trusted company, such as a bank, delivery service, or tech company like Apple. The message might claim there's suspicious activity on your account or an issue with your delivery. It usually includes a link to a fake website designed to collect your personal or financial information. Real companies rarely request sensitive information via text, and the links in these messages are typically a giveaway that something isn’t right.

Phishing can impact both your personal and work life.

In Your Personal Life:

• Steal bank information or commit fraud.
• Take over social media accounts or lock access to files.
• Commit wire transfer fraud or demand ransom through ransomware.

In Your Work Life:

• Expose sensitive customer and employee data.
• Damage company reputation and reduce investor confidence.
• Lead to financial loss for the company.

Tips to Help Prevent Phishing Attacks

• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank, credit, and social media accounts for suspicious activity. Consider using monitoring services like IdentityIQ for real-time alerts.
• Keep Your Browser Updated: This helps protect your computer from phishing attacks and malware.
• Be Cautious with Attachments and Links: Avoid clicking on unexpected links or downloading attachments, which may contain malware.
• Watch Out for Pop-Ups: These can be used to install malware on your device.
• Never Share Personal Information via Email: Email isn’t secure, so avoid giving out sensitive information.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest phishing tactics by checking resources like the Federal Trade Commission’s website.

What to Do If You Receive a Phishing Email

If you receive a suspicious email, don’t open it. Report it to your company’s IT team or relevant authority. Ignoring phishing attempts can put both you and your company at risk.

What to Do If You’ve Fallen Victim

If you’ve accidentally clicked on a phishing email, you can report it to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at phishing-report@us-cert.gov or to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.