Stay One Step Ahead: Your Beginner’s Guide to Avoiding Phishing Scams

Hello Techies,

Phishing scams have become one of the most common tricks cybercriminals use, disguising themselves as people or organizations you trust to steal your personal information. The good news? You are not powerless.

In this issue, we will walk you through practical, easy-to-remember tips to help you recognize these scams, steer clear of them, and keep your online world secure.

What Exactly Are Phishing Scams?

Phishing scams are digital traps cleverly designed to steal private data like passwords or credit card details. They often show up as emails, messages, or fake websites that pretend to be from companies or people you trust. Understanding how these scams work is your first line of defense against identity theft and financial loss.

🔐 How to Recognize and Outsmart Phishing Scams

1. Get to Know the Sender’s Email Address

Always take a closer look at the sender’s email. Scammers might use addresses that seem right at first glance but have tiny errors that reveal their deceit.

• Spot the Trick: A scam email might appear as [email protected], instead of the genuine [email protected].

2. Spot Generic Openers

Emails and text messages using general greetings such as "Dear User" are red flags. Legitimate companies typically address you by name.

3. Question Urgency

Scammers often pressure you with urgent messages to click or respond without thinking. Always pause and verify such messages by contacting the company directly.

• Example: “Your account will be closed immediately unless you respond!”

4. Hover Over Links

Before you click, hover over any links to see where they lead. This simple action helps you avoid malicious sites by checking the URL’s authenticity.

• Pro Tip: A genuine PayPal link will start with "https://www.paypal.com".

5. Look for Language Mistakes

Suspicious emails often have spelling and grammar mistakes. Legitimate communication is typically clear and error-free.

6. Guard Your Personal Information

Never send sensitive data like passwords via email. Reliable companies will not ask for personal details through un-secure channels.

7. Be Wary of Attachments

Attachments could be harmful. Only open them if you trust the sender and feel sure about the attachment's necessity.

8. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Activate 2FA on your accounts. It is an extra security step that seriously boosts your protection against hackers.

9. Keep Everything Updated

Regular software updates are essential for patching security gaps that could be exploited.

10. Report and Forward

If you are ever unsure, forward suspicious emails to your email provider or the company being impersonated to help shut down these scams.

Dodging a Phishing Scam Example

Imagine getting an email from “[email protected]” warning of suspicious activity on your account. It includes an urgent link asking you to verify your information.

With your new skills, you notice the suspicious email address and warning signs. Instead of clicking the link, you log in to your account through the official bank website and confirm everything is secure. Crisis averted!

Avoid These Common Traps

• Skip Verification: Always verify before responding.

• Delay Updates: Keeping software updated is crucial.

• Ignore Red Flags: Look for errors or suspicious details.

• Repeat Passwords: Avoid using the same password across different sites.

Strengthen Your Cyber Armour

• Leverage Password Managers: Use password managers like iCloud Keychain, Google password manager and 1Password to create and safely store strong passwords for each account.

• Stay Informed: Follow cybersecurity news and updates to spot new scams.

• Monitor Financial Statements: Regularly review for unauthorized activity.

By mastering these strategies, you are securing your digital life against phishing and other scams. Stay curious, be proactive, and keep those digital threats at bay!

You are in control so let us make the internet a safer place for everyone.

Your Tech Partner,
Ijeoma Ndu, PhD

P.S. Did you know I wrote a book? Tech Savvy Starts Here is available on Amazon—a practical, engaging guide for families and educators helping kids build confidence with technology. Check it out here.

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