![]() Use an external hard drive, a USB drive or cloud storage to back up your device so that you can safely recover your files. In the event of a phishing attack, your data can be destroyed or encrypted. This extra step, which typically requires you to enter a one-time code sent via text or email, makes it harder for scammers to access your accounts, even if they have your username and password. ![]() Install security and anti-virus software on your computer or mobile phone and set it to update automatically as new threats arise. ![]() Your spam or junk mail filters may keep some phishing messages out of your inbox, but as scammers and hackers constantly try to get past those filters, you might consider some other ways to help protect yourself. How to help protect yourself from phishing emails It's also important to know that most financial institutions and government agencies will not request personal information through emails, texts or other types of messages. Even if the sender claims to be from a company you know and do business with, do not click on a link in the email to log in to your account instead, go to the company's website to log in. Are you being threatened with lawsuits and penalties if you don't immediately take action?ĭon't click on any links or attachments in messages if you can't verify they are legitimate.Are you being asked for a payment you aren't sure you owe?.Are there misspellings and awkward grammar throughout the message?.If there are attachments, did they come from a trusted contact and do you know what they are?.If you hover over the sender's email address and any links in the message, where do they lead and do they look legitimate?.Did the email come to your junk or spam folder?.Does the message greeting address you by name?.If the message claims to be from an individual, do you know this person?.Do you have an account with the business that's contacting you? If so, does the email address match the address associated with your account? Did you sign up to receive email discounts from this company?.Look closely at any messages you receive and ask yourself the following: While some phishing messages may obviously come from strangers, others may appear to come from an organization you know and trust. The goal of phishing is to get you to take the bait, whether that's logging in to your account directly from the message (giving hackers access to your password), clicking on a link or opening an attachment. They may also include a fake invoice or ask you to update or confirm personal information. ![]() These messages may tell you there's a problem with your account or payment information, or that some suspicious activity or login attempts have taken place. Others may seem to come from a familiar social networking site, an online store or an online payment website or app. They may come in the form of a communication that seems to be from your bank, credit card company, a company you do business with or even your employer. Phishing messages are fraudulent messages used by scammers to trick you into clicking a link or opening an attachment that will provide them access to your information or download malware onto your computer. If you're one of the millions of Americans who regularly use email, text and other virtual messaging platforms, it's vital to understand and recognize signs of potential phishing and smishing attacks. Phishing and smishing are common strategies used by online scammers to steal personal and financial information. It's important to learn how to evaluate a message before you click on a link or open an attachment.While some phishing and smishing messages are obviously sent by strangers, others may look like communications from legitimate, trusted organizations.Online scammers may use phishing and smishing tactics in an attempt to snare your personal or financial information. ![]()
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