Recognize, Resist, Delete: Avoiding Phishing Scams
The world is more connected than ever – which means cybercriminals have more ways to target you and your sensitive information.
Phishing remains one of the most common methods used by scammers to turn you into a victim. The Federal Trade Commission defines phishing this way: “Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts.”
The FTC says those scam messages often try to trick you into clicking by claiming they’ve noticed “suspicious activity or log-in attempts,” by saying “you need to confirm some personal or financial information,” or “offer you a coupon for free stuff.” In every case, they’re lying.
But for as complicated as these scams can be, the best solution is pretty simple! The U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) summarizes their advice in three words: Recognize, Resist, Delete.
- Recognize: Familiarize yourself with the type of appeals that scammers make in these phishing attempts, like those listed above. Their language is often urgent or emotionally appealing. You may be asked to click on a shortened URL that you don’t recognize. The email address might look fishy, or the message may contain misspellings or poor grammar. These are all signs that you’re dealing with a phishing attempt.
- Resist: If you think you’re being phished, don’t give in! You might be tempted by an offer that sounds too good to be true. It’s important that you slow down and remain skeptical of such offers.
- Delete: It’s simple. Engaging with the phishing attempt only opens you up to additional risk. Just delete the message or email and move on.
To go even deeper on these ideas, CISA has created a cheat sheet designed to help you outsmart scammers who try to steal your information. Click here to view the PDF, and feel free to download it!
Visit the FIBT Education Center for even more tips on how to stay safe online and keep your financial information secure.