Scammers can easily fake a Caller ID, so don’t rely on it as confirmation that a call is legitimate. Even a customer service rep shouldn’t ask for them. To be safe, manually enter the URL you want to visit.Īccount info, passwords, or validation codes are for your eyes and ears only. Phishers create fake websites with URLs that are very similar to the real one. Hackers can build encrypted sites, too.Īuthentic sites will have this icon in the address bar, but many fake sites can also have it. One letter used to make a big difference, but now the “s” doesn’t always mean the site is legitimate. Ignore pleas for you to take fast action or warning you of problems that will compromise your account status if you don’t take action.Attachments can contain malware, so never open them unless you’re 100% sure they’re legitimate.Don’t return calls from an unknown or suspicious number and provide any personal, credit, or account info. Don’t click on links in emails and SMS text messages unless you’re 100% sure the sender is legitimate.Never provide personal, credit, or account info via email. Tips to avoid phishing, vishing, and smishing scams Smishing message may also try to get you to click on a fake URL. Like the other types of scams, the message will usually be about an urgent account problem and ask you to call and provide your account information. Smishing is when a scammer sends an SMS message to your phone from a fake phone number or URL. The Caller ID may look legitimate, but scammers can easily fake that. The message will usually be about an urgent account problem and ask you for your account information. With vishing, fraudsters use an automated system to make voice calls. They’ll typically be poorly written with typos, misspellings, and incorrect grammar. Phishing emails often begin with impersonal greetings like “Dear user” or “Hello member” and will look like they’ve been sent by a legitimate company or person. Phishing is an attempt to steal your personal information via email. Guard Against Phishing and Other Scams Phishing Scammers can change info in your accounts so check for things like phone numbers, email, or mailing addresses that have been added or changed.Ĭhange your password, PIN, and security questions for all accounts-including your email accounts and those that don’t seem to have been compromised. Some institutions, agencies, and credit bureaus will ask for the report number or a copy of the police report. You can usually notify them online or in their app as well.įiling a report with your local police department will help you document your case. Report Fraud or Unauthorized Activity Step 1Īsk for the fraud department, explain what’s happened, and be clear what they-and you-can do to resolve it.Ĭall the number printed on the back of your card.
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