Avoid Falling Victim: The Newest Tech Scams and 9 Tips to Protect Yourself

Phishing attacks are increasing more and more each day here in our country. They can come in the form of emails or texts. Just recently, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) warned motorists of scams about supposed traffic violations.

If we’re not careful, these attacks can lead to data breaches, identity theft, and financial loss.

Here are some tips to avoid getting scammed:

1. Verify the Sender: Check the sender’s email address or phone number. Be cautious of emails or messages from unfamiliar or suspicious sources.
2. Be Wary of Links: Hover over links in emails or messages to see the actual URL before clicking. Verify if the URL matches the legitimate website it claims to be.
3. Do Not Share Personal Information: Avoid providing sensitive information like passwords, social security numbers, or bank details via email, text, or phone unless you have verified the legitimacy of the request.
4. Keep Software Updated: Ensure your operating system, browser, and antivirus software are up to date to protect against known vulnerabilities.
5. Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about common phishing tactics and educate family members, friends, and colleagues to recognize and avoid phishing attempts.
6. Use Spam Filters: Enable spam filters on your email account to reduce the number of phishing emails that reach your inbox.
7. Be Cautious of Urgency or Threats: Phishing emails often create a sense of urgency (e.g., account will be closed, immediate action required). Take a moment to verify such claims through official channels.
8. Verify Requests for Money or Information: If you receive a request for money or sensitive information (even from someone you know), verify the request through another means of communication before taking action.
9. Report Suspicious Activity: Report phishing attempts or suspicious emails to your email provider, relevant authorities, or the organization being impersonated.

Now more than ever, we have to be aware of the risks of getting scammed and how we can avoid them. By staying vigilant, we can stay ahead of scammers. Stay safe, and don’t get scammed!

Read More:
Don’t Get Scammed: How to Check If Someone is a Legitimate Employee of Lightweight Solutions