How Scammers Get You

Phishing

Phishing is a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information by disguising oneself as a trustworthy entity in electronic communications. Scammers typically use email, but phishing can also occur through text messages (smishing) or phone calls (vishing).

How It Works:

Emails: A scammer sends an email that appears to come from a reputable source, such as a bank or an online service. The email might claim there's a problem with your account or an urgent security issue requiring immediate action.
Links/Attachments: The email often contains a link to a fake website that looks like the legitimate site. When you enter your login credentials, the scammer captures them. Attachments might contain malware designed to compromise your system.
Urgency/Threats: Messages often create a sense of urgency or fear to pressure you into taking quick action without thoroughly checking the legitimacy of the request.

Protection:

Verify the sender’s email address.
Hover over links to check the URL before clicking.
Contact the organization through official channels if you receive a suspicious email.

Spoofing

Spoofing involves falsifying information to make it appear as though communication is coming from a trusted source.

How It Works:

Email Spoofing: The scammer forges the “From” address in an email so that it looks like it’s coming from a known or trusted source.
Caller ID Spoofing: Scammers manipulate caller ID to make it appear as though the call is coming from a trusted number.
Social Media Spoofing: Fake profiles or hacked accounts are used to trick people into providing personal information or money.

Protection:

Be cautious with unexpected communications, even if they appear to come from known contacts.
Verify the identity of the person or organization through independent means.
Use caller ID and email verification services where possible.

Ransomware

Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts a victim’s files, rendering them inaccessible until a ransom is paid.

How It Works:

Infection: Ransomware is typically delivered via phishing emails, malicious downloads, or vulnerabilities in software.
Encryption: Once installed, it encrypts files on the victim’s computer or network.
Ransom Demand: The attacker displays a ransom note demanding payment (usually in cryptocurrency) to provide the decryption key.

Protection:

Avoid opening email attachments or links from unknown sources.
Keep your software and operating system updated.
Regularly back up important data to an external drive or cloud storage.

Social Engineering

Social engineering manipulates people into divulging confidential information or performing actions that compromise security.

How It Works:

Impersonation: Scammers pose as trusted individuals, such as colleagues or technical support, to extract sensitive information.
Pretexting: They create a fabricated scenario to gain trust and obtain information, such as pretending to be from a tech support team needing access to fix an issue.
Manipulation: They use psychological techniques, such as urgency or flattery, to influence you into making poor decisions.

Protection:

Be wary of unsolicited requests for personal information.
Verify the identity of individuals requesting sensitive data.
Educate yourself and others about common social engineering tactics.

Tech Support Scams

In tech support scams, fraudsters claim to be from a legitimate tech support organization and convince victims to grant remote access to their computers or pay for unnecessary services.

How It Works:

Cold Calls/Pop-ups: Scammers may call or use pop-ups on your computer claiming there’s a problem that needs immediate attention.
Remote Access: They often ask for remote access to fix non-existent issues or to install unnecessary software.
Payment Requests: They might demand payment for fake repairs or services, often using high-pressure tactics.

Protection:

Hang up on unsolicited tech support calls or ignore pop-ups claiming your computer is infected.
Only allow remote access if you initiated contact with a trusted tech support provider.
Verify the legitimacy of any tech support requests through official channels.

QR Codes

QR code scams involve malicious actors using QR codes to trick individuals into revealing personal information, downloading malware, or making fraudulent payments. QR codes are often used for convenience, such as in payments or accessing information, but their misuse can lead to serious security risks.

How It Works:

Malicious QR Codes: Scammers create QR codes that link to phishing sites, malware downloads, or fraudulent payment requests. These QR codes might be placed on flyers, posters, or even online platforms.
Social Engineering: The QR code may be disguised as something legitimate, such as a link to a well-known website, a special offer, or a charity donation. Scammers might use high-pressure tactics to encourage you to scan the code quickly.
Redirection: When you scan the QR code with your smartphone or tablet, you might be redirected to a fake website designed to steal your login credentials, personal information, or financial details.
Malware Installation: Scanning the code could trigger a download of malicious software if it prompts you to download an app or file.
Payment Fraud: The QR code might direct you to a payment page where you’re asked to make a payment for a non-existent service or product.

Protection:

Verify the Source: Only scan QR codes from trusted sources. Be cautious if the QR code is on something you didn’t expect, like a random flyer or an unverified email.
Preview Links: Use a QR code scanner app that previews the URL before opening it. This allows you to check the link for authenticity and avoid potentially dangerous sites.
Avoid Unsolicited Codes: Be wary of QR codes found in public places or received through unsolicited messages. Scammers may place these codes in strategic locations or send them as part of phishing schemes.
Check for Secure Connections: When you’re redirected to a website, ensure that it has a secure connection (look for “https://” in the URL) and verify that the site is legitimate.
Use Security Software: Install and maintain security software on your devices to detect and block malicious activities.
Update Apps and Systems: Keep your smartphone’s operating system and apps up to date to protect against vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malware.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect that a QR code scam has compromised your information, report it to relevant authorities or organizations, such as your bank or local law enforcement.

How Scammers Get You

Phishing

Spoofing

Ransomware

Social Engineering

Tech Support Scams

QR Codes

Privacy Settings

Select all services

Website Translator