Scammers may use emails, text messages, and phone calls to deceive the recipient, posing as someone trusted to get sensitive information, money, or install malicious software (virus/malware) on your phone, tablet, or computer. Recognizing these scams is the first step to safeguarding yourself and the business.
Email scams often come disguised as messages from banks, vendors, or even other departments or persons within our organization. Be cautious of emails that contain spelling errors, generic greetings, has an unusual sender email address, or request personal account or other information.
Similarly, text message scams may urge immediate action, such as clicking a link or responding with personal data. The sender may act like someone you know, either in the company, from a legitimate institution, or a long-lost friend or acquaintance. Some messages intentionally mention another person’s name or event, trying to get you to respond “wrong number”, or similar, to start a conversation that leads to them asking you for money or information. These scams can come by traditional SMS text message or through Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Instagram, or otherwise.
Phone call scams often impersonate legitimate organizations and may pressure you for confidential information. They may know your name and address, or other details about you to gain credibility. Remember, reputable companies rarely demand sensitive details or payment over the phone.
Stay aware, verify any unexpected requests by contacting the sender directly through known contact information or, if any organization, information obtained by searching Google.
Common scams to be aware about*:
- Password expiring or need to change password
- Account problems
- Bank or credit card problems
- Unpaid orders/invoices
- Unpaid taxes or government fees/fines
- Free or drastically discounted gift cards
- Fake package deliveries/notifications
- Easy cash loans
- Charities and donating money
- e-Cards from someone you don’t recognize
- Social media ads that link to fake stores (that don’t allow regular credit card payment, but money gift card or other payment that is not easily disputable)
- Products or airfare with discounted prices that are too-good-to-be-true
* If the concern is over an account or situation that you think could be legitimate, but you still have concerns, don't click on any links or attachments, or reply with any information - find known contact information for the organization to contact them. This could be the phone number from a previous statement or by Googling the company to get their website. The reason for this: contact information (email, phone, link) in a scam email or message may be fake - goes to the scammers instead of the real organization.
If you work for a company and ever receive an email, text message, or phone call where a scammer is impersonating another employee or supervisor from your company, contact your supervisor and IT person immediately.