Scammers never take a day off, that’s why you should never drop your guard when it comes to phishing attempts. Here’s what to do if you receive a phishing email.
What Is Phishing?
Phishing is a type of scam where cybercriminals contact you (usually by email but also through text messages) and pose as a reputable institution to trick you into giving them your personal information.
Scammers usually impersonate banks in their messages, but they are also known to pose as government agencies, including the IRS.
Cybercriminals are very cunning and resort to all kinds of stratagems to appear more believable. They are able to replicate accurately the graphics of the institutions they impersonate and may go as far as to purchase similar internet domains.
How to Identify a Phishing Email or Text Message?
While scammers are crafty, there are ways to stay ahead of the curve. These are some of the red flags you should look out for:
- The mention of supposedly unusual log-in attempts
- Claims that there’s a problem with your account or payment information
- They ask you to confirm some personal information
- They include a fake invoice
- Instructions to click on a link to make a payment
- Offers of coupons for free stuff
What To Do if You Receive a Phishing Email or Text Message?
If you receive a phishing email or text message, the first step is not to interact with it. Don’t reply, don’t click on any links, and don’t download or open any attached files.
The next thing to do is to bring the phishing attempt to the attention of the authorities. You can report any phishing attack to the Federal Trade Commission. If the phishing attempt is related to taxes or the IRS, you can report it to phishing@irs.gov.
More Tips and Ideas
Read these previous posts for more business tips that cover every aspect of the management of your organization, from communication to online security.
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- Cat filters and other fun Zoom tricks
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About the Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
At the Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GRHCC), our core mission is supporting small businesses and economic development with advocacy, business referrals, marketing opportunities, training programs, student internships, and scholarships.
Contact us today by email (info@grhcc.com), telephone (951-965-9115), through our social media accounts, or click here to join and start enjoying the benefits of membership today!