How to recognize scams and what to do if you encounter them.
The internet has made it easier than ever to get in touch with far-away loved ones or friends overseas. It has also made it much easier for the unscrupulous to prey upon the unsuspecting. Email scams are a pervasive threat, targeting individuals and businesses alike with increasingly sophisticated tactics. Avoiding email scams is becoming increasingly difficult. A recent CNET survey found that 96% of American adults report receiving at least one scam email, call, text or social media message every week.
Scammers are coming up with new ways to trick people into giving up their hard earned money. As their methods become more sophisticated and hard to spot, we must become more critical and cautious. Protecting yourself from these scams requires vigilance and a proactive approach. Here are some essential tips to help you stay safe online.
1. Never Send Documents Containing Account Numbers or Passwords
Legitimate organizations will never ask you to share sensitive information via email. Most people know not to send passwords or account numbers via email. You also need to be mindful of what sensitive information may be on a document that you’re being asked to send. While professionals like us, your accountant, or your attorney, may ask you for documents containing sensitive information such as statements with account numbers or tax returns, you should always place these documents in the secure document vault provided and never send them via email. Scammers often create emails that appear to be from reputable sources, urging you to provide personal details. Do not respond and instead, contact the organization directly using verified contact information.
2. Don’t Send Money to People You Don’t Know
Scammers use emotional appeals or fabricated stories to trick victims into transferring funds. Whether it’s a request for a charitable donation or a plea for financial assistance, always verify the legitimacy of the request. If you feel compelled to help, do so through verified channels rather than responding to unsolicited emails.
3. Verify Email Addresses
Scammers often use email addresses that look similar to those of legitimate organizations. Carefully inspect the sender’s email address for any discrepancies. A minor difference, such as an extra letter or a misspelled domain name, can indicate a fraudulent email. Additionally, be wary of generic greetings like “Dear Customer” instead of your actual name, as this is a common tactic used by scammers.
4. Check with the Person or Organization Making the Request
If you receive an unexpected email from a known contact asking for money or sensitive information, call or text them directly to confirm the request. Often, scammers will be able to “clone” a sender’s name. You may get an email that looks like it is from someone you know, but hover over or click on the name and you’ll be able to see if the email address is correct. This simple step can prevent falling victim to scams that exploit personal connections. Never respond to these emails. Always use a verified method of communication, like contact information from the organization’s website.
5. Beware of Suspicious Attachments and Links
Scammers often include malicious attachments or links in their emails. These can install malware on your device or lead you to phishing websites. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or untrusted sources. Instead, navigate to the website directly through your browser.
Popular email scams to look out for:
- Update your payment information. Be cautious of emails that appear to be from companies you know telling you your account is on hold due to a billing problem. They will usually include a link inviting you to update your payment information. These scam emails have a generic greeting, not addressing you by name. While legitimate companies may communicate with you through email, they will not ask you to update your payment information through a link in an email.
- Shipping notifications. A popular email scam is a shipping notification from a company that looks like Amazon or the US Postal Service. The email will usually contain a link for you to click to “claim” your package. If you have no reason to expect a shipping notification, be aware that the email is likely a scam. If you’re unsure, always navigate to the company’s website via your web browser. Do not click on the link provided in the email, as it could take you to a fake website that looks similar to the real thing. Scam websites can get account and card numbers or other sensitive details from you. They can even install malware on your computer.
- Unpaid tickets. Emails that contain warnings about imprisonment or hefty fines if you don’t pay immediately via the link in the email are most likely a scam. If you’re ever unsure if you have any unpaid tickets, you can always contact the court via a verified phone number.
- Emails from the IRS making demands or threats (arrest or deportation) are a scam. Visit the IRS website to learn more about official methods the IRS will use to contact you.
- Gift cards. Beware of emails from a person you know, such as a boss or other authority figure, asking you to buy gift cards. Always double check with your contact using a verified form of communication.
Please note, this is not an exhaustive list of email scams. Any email from a suspicious or unknown source should be treated with caution, no matter the subject.
In summary, staying safe from email, text, or phone call scams requires a combination of caution and verification. By following these guidelines, you can reduce the risk of falling prey to email scams and protect your personal and financial information.
