Protecting your inbox against scammers

Fraudsters are getting more clever by the day and they love our trusting nature. They count on it! That’s why they send fraudulent emails and text messages. If they can trigger the right emotion, we can often slip up. 

But it’s OK! Scammers might be smart, but you can be smarter. Once you recognize the signs of risky emails, you can steer clear of them to protect yourself and your accounts. 

What do scammers want?

• Access your information. Your personal information is then sold to those who would use it for impersonation, accessing your accounts, etc
• Your identity. Fraudsters can apply for credit in your name, take over your email, social and financial accounts. 
• Your network. Your systems can be used to commit further fraud!

What can I do?

Don’t let scammers get what they want! Protect yourself by asking the following questions to help identify possible phishing emails and texts: 

• Is this email/text from someone I know? If you receive a message from someone you don’t know, then it could be spam or a phishing email. Consider your inbox like a door—don’t open it for people you don’t know! 

• Is the message too good to be true? Malicious actors will do just about anything to gain access to you, and they use messaging designed to pique your interest or prompt immediate action. Some common themes are: 
  
  • Congratulations! You’ve won!
  • Your account will be closed NOW!
  • Your account will be closed NOW!
  • Free tickets, computer, etc. 
  • You’ve been hacked!

• Would someone I know communicate a serious message via email? Sometimes you’ll receive an email from someone you DO know, but the message is a little… off. These types of emails often come from a compromised account and, like the ones noted above, direct you to click on a link with little explanation. Some examples: 
  
  
  • Wow! You’ve got to try this! 
  • I was shocked when I found this out
  • Quick! I need your help ASAP!

  Remember to consider how this person usually contacts you, too! If they are a constant texter, does an email seem out of character?

• What have YOU been up to lately? Did you recently sign up for a sweepstakes for a free cruise to Jamaica? Do you have a wealthy uncle who you’ve never met but wants to give you an inheritance? Are you always on time with your taxes? Steer clear from the unexpected and know some key facts. 
  
  
  • If you didn’t sign up for a contest/giveaway/sweepstakes, you didn’t win.
  • Trust and will issues like inheritances are NEVER handled over email. 
  • Foreign royalty did not choose you to woo and they definitely don’t need your money.
  • The IRS and other government entities will contact you by postal mail—they won’t send you an alarming email threatening immediate punishment.

 Arming yourself with knowledge of common scams is one of the best ways to prevent getting scammed! Remember to trust your gut (if it looks suspicious, it probably is!), verify the sender, and don’t click on unknown links!