Scammers are getting harder and harder to identify. Scammer are now using AI to come up with scams that are looking increasingly more legitimate, costing victims thousands of dollars every day. One of the ways to protect yourself from scammers is by staying alert and protecting yourself with these important tips:
❗ Be skeptical of unexpected contact. Always verify requests independently, especially when they involve personal or financial information.
⚠️ Red flag alert: Be cautious with urgent requests. Scammers create a sense of panic to trick you into acting fast and often will ask for payment via Bitcoin, Gift Cards, etc… – it’s almost certainly a scam if they don’t give you time to think.
🔒 Ways to protect yourself:
- Think before you click. Hover over links to see where they really lead before clicking, as scammers often use addresses that look legitimate but have small errors.
- Never share passwords via email. Legitimate organizations will never ask for them.
- Verify unexpected attachments. Call the sender to confirm before opening.
- Use multi-factor authentication (MFA). Even if your password is stolen, MFA adds another security layer.
- Keep software up to date. Updates often include patches for known security vulnerabilities.
- Look for HTTPS. Ensure websites are secure before entering any sensitive information.
- Don’t trust pop-up warnings. These can be fake alerts prompting you to install malware or call a scammers phone number.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. Use a VPN when you’re on an unsecured network.
- Use strong, unique passwords. This limits damage if one account is compromised.
- Educate employees and family members. Awareness is your first line of defense.
- Report suspicious messages. Notify your IT team or service provider immediately.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
- Use a family password. This will protect your family from scammers and AI generated voices that sound like a loved one.
Cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to trick you — but with vigilance and smart practices, there are ways to try to stay one step ahead. 🔐
❗ Need Help
If you need help with some of the tips, we have services that can help. Our IT Management service will help keep your software up to date and more. Our Password management service can help you generate strong passwords and will even act as an authenticator to manage MFA and Passkeys.