Have you received an email or message that just didn’t feel right? Maybe it asked something strange from you, or perhaps it was full of typos. Either way, that could have been a phishing scam, and trust us, you don’t want to fall for one. But don’t worry because there are plenty of ways to keep yourself safe, and today, we’re looking at 18 of them.
Spot the Odd One Out
Phishing emails are the sneakiest kinds of scams, but they usually have a few giveaways. Look for odd things like spelling mistakes or generic greetings like “Dear Customer.” Some of them use words like “kindly,” which is an easy sign that something’s not right. They might also try to get you to click on something, so avoid them at all costs.
Beware of Email Spoofs
Similarly, emails that look like they’re from a legitimate company but have a slightly different address are usually not to be trusted. Always double-check the sender’s email address if an email asks for personal information or discusses problems with your account. Use the internet to find their real address; if it doesn’t match up, it’s not worth clicking.
Double Down on Security
Two-factor authentication is a way for systems to double-check that you are logging in. Even if someone gets your password, they won’t get far if you have this extra security step turned on, which usually involves a code sent to your phone. It’s a small extra step, but it can do wonders for your safety.
Learn the Scammer’s Tricks
The more you know about phishing, the better you can dodge it. Did you know scammers can create fake websites that look just like the real deal? Or that they might try to scare you into giving up personal info? Learn about their common tricks, and you’ll spot scams better.
Check Before You Click
If you receive a link in an email or message, don’t just click on it immediately. Hover over it to see where it really goes, as sometimes, what looks legit could lead you straight to a scam site. If it looks fishy, trust your gut and steer clear of it, or at least contact the website in question to check if it’s a real link.
Guard up With Antivirus
Antivirus software is great for blocking malware that phishers might use, but it’s not enough by itself. Even so, this is an easy way to keep things safe, especially since regular scans and real-time protection can prevent harmful software from installing itself. While buying antivirus software might cost a little, it’s far cheaper than dealing with the hassle of infected technology.
Verify Who’s Who
If a message seems off, especially from a business or service you use, speak to them on the phone or email them through their official contact details. It’s always better to check yourself to ensure that strange messages are real rather than assuming they’re legit. Even if it takes a minute or two, avoiding the stress of potential identity theft or fraud is worth it.
Too Good to Be True? Probably Is
Amazing offers popping up in your email or on social media can be tempting, but if they seem too good to be true, they usually are. Scammers use these “incredible deals” to trick you into giving up your info, so you should always think carefully about offers that come out of the blue. Any deal asking for your credit card details or personal information in exchange for a free trip or a huge discount is a huge red flag.
Choose a Secure Browser
Some web browsers are better at keeping you safe online because they’ll block dodgy sites and warn you before you land on a phishing site. Do some research to determine which browser has the best protection so you’ll always know if there’s any malicious content. You can also download extensions that improve your security.
Back It Up
Even if you fall for a phishing scam, having regular backups means you won’t lose everything. It doesn’t matter if it’s photos or important documents because keeping a backup will allow you to restore your devices before the trouble starts. You can automate your devices to back up regularly to have one less thing to worry about.
Report the Criminals
If you run into a phishing attempt, report it to whoever needs to know, like your internet service provider or maybe even a government agency. Reporting them helps everyone because agencies and companies often use this information to improve their security measures. It’ll also inform others about the dangers, so don’t hesitate to speak up.
Keep Personal Info Private
When filling out forms online or updating your profiles, only share what’s absolutely necessary. Many sites ask for more info than they really need, and they’ll usually sell this data, so make sure you think carefully about what they need to know. Keeping your personal information to a minimum online will reduce the chances of it falling into the wrong hands.
Be Careful With Pop-Ups
Everyone hates those pop-ups that suddenly appear while browsing, but they can be quite dangerous. You should close any pop-up that asks for your personal or financial information by clicking the “X’ in the corner of your browser window. Don’t click inside the pop-up itself, as this could contain a malicious link.
Ignore Unsolicited Requests
If you didn’t ask for it, ignore it, whether that’s a tech support call out of the blue or an unexpected email claiming you need to reset your password. Real companies usually won’t reach out this way unless you’ve contacted them before. It’s okay to call the company directly on their official number to check if the request was real.
Use a Firewall
Even if you’re not great with technology, using a firewall on your computer or router is relatively easy and can help block scammers from getting in. A firewall works like a barrier that checks incoming and outgoing traffic from your network. This will keep the bad guys out and your personal information safe.
Check Your Credit Report
Pay close attention to your credit report because this is a good way to catch identity theft early. If you see accounts or activities you don’t recognize, you should make sure to report them immediately. You’re entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year, so take advantage of it.
Don’t Save Passwords in Browsers
You might think that storing your passwords in your browser will save you some time, and that’s true. But they also make it easier for phishers to get a hold of them if they breach your browser’s security. Instead, you should try using a dedicated password manager because they’ll keep your passwords locked up and can even generate super strong passwords for you.
Check Mobile App Permissions
Before you download that new app on your smartphone, you should have a look at the permissions it’s asking for. Does a simple mobile game really need access to your contacts or location? Even if these apps aren’t malicious, there’s no reason for them to have all your user data.
19 Grim Realities of Dating After 50 That Are Often Overlooked
19 Grim Realities of Dating After 50 That Are Often Overlooked
26 Things That Will Be Extinct Because Millennials Refuse to Buy Them
26 Things That Will Be Extinct Because Millennials Refuse to Buy Them
24 Outdated Slang Terms You Absolutely Shouldn’t Be Using Anymore
24 Outdated Slang Terms You Absolutely Shouldn’t Be Using Anymore
25 Hardest Parts About Getting Older That No One Ever Talks About
25 Hardest Parts About Getting Older That No One Ever Talks About
