Protect Yourself from Phishing Scams
Have you ever received an email from a person or company that you knew, but something just didn’t feel right? Maybe the tone was off or a link looked strange and it stopped you in your tracks. If you have, then it’s likely that you have been the target of a phishing attempt.
Whether at home or at work, it’s important to always be diligent when clicking links. Follow your gut feeling if something seems phishy and make sure that you take the appropriate steps to keep you and your information safe from scammers who could be trying to steal your information.
How does a phishing scam work?
Scammers use familiar company names or pretend to be a person that you know. The message directs you to act quickly by clicking a link and providing confidential information like bank account numbers. As soon as you click the link, they have access to your computer and can install programs that will lock you out and retrieve all of the personal information that you might have stored on your device.
What to look out for
While Phishing scams continue to get more and more sophisticated, there are a few easy tip-offs that you can keep your eyes out for. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you click a link that looks strange to you.
- Do you have an account with the company that is emailing you?
- Does the message include your name?
- Does the message use correct spelling and grammar?
- Does the message avoid asking you for personal information or passwords?
- Is the email address correct?
If you answered no to any of these questions, then it is important to take a closer look before you click.
What should you do if you think that you are being phished?
Look up the website or phone number of the person or company contacting you. If you’re still unsure after visiting their website, find a phone number and call them to tell them about the message that you received. The person or company will be able to tell you quickly if the message you received is a legitimate one and you will be doing that organization or person a favor by making them aware of the scam.
Please know that financial organizations like Dedham Savings will never ask you for your personal information, including social security number, account numbers, balances or passwords over regular email.
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