The more you know about phishing scams, the better equipped you will be to spot them and avoid them. Phishing emails and websites can be very sophisticated and convincing, but there are some common red flags to look out for, such as:
- Emails from unknown senders
- Emails with misspelt or grammatical errors
- Emails that ask for personal information, such as your phone number, password, or credit card number
- Emails that contain links or attachments
- Websites with URLs that don’t match the company they claim to be from
- Websites that don’t have a secure connection (https://)
Always remember
One: Be careful about what links you click on or what information you provide. Phishing emails and websites often contain links that, when clicked, will take you to a malicious website or download a virus to your computer. If you receive an email or visit a website that you are not sure is legitimate, do not click on any links. Instead, delete and block the sender or, if you really need to, go directly to the company’s website by typing the URL into your address bar.
Two: Never give out personal information over email or on an unsecured website. Legitimate companies will never ask for your personal information over email. It is a phishing scam if you receive an email asking for your phone number, physical address, password, or credit card number. Similarly, never enter your personal information on a website that does not have a secure connection (https://).
Three: Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Strong passwords are long and complex, including a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring you to enter a code from your phone and your password when you log in.
Four: Keep your software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help protect you from phishing attacks. Make sure to install updates for your operating system, web browser, and other software as soon as they are available.
Following these tips can help protect yourself from phishing attacks and keep your personal information safe.
Bokang Forensics is an investigation firm. We help our clients find closure after crimes like fraud and phishing without drawing out the investigation process. That is why we believe in accelerating justice!
