Phishing Scam Alert: Avoid Becoming a Victim

Phishing is the process by which an individual is lured into providing personal information such as credit card details and online accounts. This information is then used to acquire unauthorized access to the individual’s account thus resulting in identity theft and financial loss. In most instances, phishing scams are perpetrated using emails and telephone contact in which the perpetrator poses as a legitimate representative of a company thus making it less likely that the individual will develop any suspicions.

 

According to recent statistics phishing is one of the most common cyber crimes in the United States. While the Internet is the widely used to cheat individuals into providing information, the telephone also stands as a common medium. Over the telephone, the perpetrator typically impersonates a bank officer or other officials and asks for financial information. Even though both methods of phishing are increasing, individuals can lower their risk of falling victim by being aware of phishing scam alert that provides details of ways to avoid the scam.

 

Ways to Avoid Becoming a Victim

Scam alerts oftentimes provide practical ways in which individuals can avoid becoming a victim of phishing. By following such guidelines individuals can significantly reduce their chances of facing identity theft or a loss of finances. The list detailed below provides simple and effective strategies to guard against this cyber crime.

 

• Be aware of phishing techniques – The best and most effective strategy is to keep informed about the techniques used by perpetrators. With new phishing scams being developed on a regular basis, this might not be an easy task; however, it is worth the investment. Individuals who are constantly informed about new types of scams are likely to be at a lower risk of falling victim to such fraudulent acts.

 

• Avoid clicking on links – Links sent in emails are oftentimes used to lure individuals into Internet phishing scams. As such, it is advisable to only click on links that are contained in messages from trusted senders. Links that are contained within random emails and instant messages should not be followed as it is likely that this will only lead to an imitation website. If an individual is unsure about a link, they can hover over it before clicking to see where it will lead.

 

• Verify the security status of websites – Before supplying financial or other personal information to a website, check to see whether the site is secure. If it is, then it is likely that the website is legitimate. When checking the legitimacy of a website, look to see if the URL starts with “https” instead of “http”. The “s” on the URL verifies that the website is secured. Also individuals can check for a closed lock icon located near the address bar which also verifies the site’s security.

 

• Install an anti-phishing toolbar – These toolbars conduct quick checks on websites visited and compare them with a list of known fraudulent sites. In the event that the site is fraudulent the toolbar will provide a phishing scam alert.

 

• Use firewalls – Firewalls act as a good protection mechanism against perpetrators. There are two types of firewalls: desktop and network. The desktop firewall is software while the network firewall is hardware. When both types are used together, they significantly reduce the chance of perpetrators gaining access to an individual’s computer or network.

 

• Check online accounts frequently – Individuals who check their online account frequently are at the advantage of being aware of its status. This means that if any suspicious activity occurs, they will be able to detect it and act accordingly. It is also advisable to change passwords on a regular basis to provide an added level of protection.

 

• Update browsers – By keeping browsers up to date, individuals can ensure that they will always have the latest security patches installed. This means that they will have defense against loopholes that perpetrators often use to illegally exploit individuals’ accounts.

 

• Be careful of pop-ups – Pop-up windows are usually fraudulent links that lead to scam websites even though they appear legitimate. Individuals should be mindful of this fact and as such opt to block pop-up windows when they appear. If it is a certainty that the pop-up is legitimate then it can be allowed on a case by case basis.

 

• Use antivirus software – As an additional level of protection, it is always advisable to use antivirus software. These are effective in guarding against online scams as well as other fraudulent acts. It is important to ensure that the antivirus software used is updated on a regular basis.

 

• Never provide personal information – It is a general rule that individuals should refrain from providing personal information online. This is understandable as perpetrators oftentimes use such information to conduct illegal acts such as identity theft. Prior to supplying personal information online, individuals should first ensure that the website is legitimate. If there is some uncertainty then it is best to contact the company via telephone before submitting information on their website. Such preventative actions will ensure that there is no need to rely on reporting scams to the relevant authority.

 

Even though online scams are increasing at the expense of individuals who are losing their identity and financial resources, there are measures that can be implemented to reduce the rate at which these acts occur. By following these measures, individuals can continue with their regular online-based activities and be assured that they will not fall victims to phishing scams.

Phishing Scam Alert: Avoid Becoming a Victim