Tech Talk: How To Avoid Phishing Scams

What is Phishing?

Phishing is the activity of fraud through an online account holder. This can include an attempt to acquire sensitive information like your usernames, passwords or worse, financial information.

Phishing is usually carried out via email. In today's blog post, we will discuss phishing email scams, how to avoid them, and what to do if you receive one. A phishing email scam could look like a regular email at first; however, there are a few things you may notice upon further investigation.

Misspelling

Phishers aren't known for good grammar. Corporate offices have a multitude of copy editors that review each and every email before distribution. So if the email has misspelled words, that's your first clue.

Links

If you see a suspicious link in an email, hover your mouse over it. The link will then appear in detail. If it looks completely different than the text you're highlighting over, you shouldn't click it.

Threats

Do you think a profitable, well known company will threaten you over email? Chances are, no. If there is threatening language in an email such as "your account will be permanently blocked" that's another sign of a phishing scam.

Pretenders

Phishers are notorious for pretending. They may even use graphics and icons you're familiar with to gain your trust. Don't fall for it. They may even just tack on another name to a company's name you're familiar with. Say instead of signing the email Microsoft, they sign it Microsoft Tech Support.

Don't get us wrong.

The internet and email are incredibly useful tools, and we would be lost without them some days; however, it is important to monitor the messages coming through your inbox and report any suspicious activity.

In the United States, you can place a complaint through the Federal Trade Commission. Complaints from consumers like you and I help the FTC detect patterns of fraud and abuse.

Have more questions?

The team at Computer One is here to be your technology partner. We offer a variety of anti-virus software solutions that can protect you, your computer and your precious data. Contact us today to get started!