You’ve surely all received an email that seems dubious, right? There are certain signs and things to look out for, which you’ve hopefully caught on to by now. But what happens when you receive emails from a seemingly legitimate source or even a government provider that wants you to act? This is where things start to get a little tricky and doing your due diligence will certainly pay off. However, to be as safe as you possibly can be, have a read through these types of emails, so that you don’t make the mistake of clicking on links or handing out personal information. Let’s look at the different types of scams and how you can protect yourself from them.
Moving with the Times
As the internet expands and billions of people make use of it every day, so too are the amount of hackers and scammers online. This isn’t meant to scare you, but rather make you more aware and cautious. While there are negative forces in play trying to steal and intercept your transactions, there are just as many people coming up with solutions to the problem. One of the main reasons that things like cryptocurrency is flying so high, is because of the security and anonymity it offers. Specifically currencies like Bitcoin, while volatile and complex, offer incredible and unprecedented levels of protection, not least because of the technology they are built on, namely blockchain. If this is something that speaks to you, then keep an eye on the Bitcoin price prediction 2024 and jump in whenever you see fit. Make sure that you choose a reputable site and provider.
Moving with the times is important, otherwise we may be left behind, or worse yet – have our personal data stolen and published. So, how do we avoid phishing attacks? While phonetically similar to fishing, this is a whole other can of worms. Phishing emails are sent out by scammers under the disguise of the Social Security Administration (SSA) and claim that your account has been compromised or needs verification, prompting you to take action fast. These emails typically include links to fake websites designed to look like official SSA pages. Look out for generic greetings like “Dear User” instead of your actual name, because if they were indeed a legitimate organization, they would have all your details on file already. Also check for poor grammar or spelling mistakes, as well as urgent language that makes it seem like you have to take action right this minute. This is your first red flag – no one should ever put pressure on you to do anything.
Threats of Account Suspension
Account suspension scams are exactly what they sound like: they are emails claiming that your Social Security number (SSN) has been linked to criminal activity or that your account will be suspended unless you provide personal information. And while there are actual and legit times that your account may be compromised, the email you should receive will ask you whether it was you trying to log in, as opposed to threatening you to action. It was mentioned above that there are cyber experts working on keeping you safe, from premium proxy servers to VPNs, but the onus is and always will be on you. When you receive an email, look out for threatening language regarding legal consequences or requests for sensitive information like your SSN, bank details or passwords. No reputable company or organization will threaten you or force you to do things quickly. That’s another red flag.
Promise of Added Benefits or Prizes
You may have already spotted the common thread here, namely threatening emails that call you to immediate action and prey on your fear of losing out. Some scammers get you with the promise of prizes, winnings, or even increases to your monthly social security benefits, which they say you will receive once you send them your personal information in order to “process” your application for the supposed benefits. Please always err on the side of caution. Signs to look out for include unsolicited notifications about benefits you did not apply for and requests for payment to unlock or access benefits. It is enticing so it’s understandable that some people may want to send the details and don’t see any harm in doing so. You should always be skeptical if you receive unsolicited offers because if an email offers benefits you didn’t apply for, then it’s likely a scam that you should be extra cautious of.
Final Tips to Help You Stay Safe
Changing passwords regularly seems mundane and silly, but it’s probably one of the best and quickest ways to avoid any type of hacking. Also try to avoid Wi-Fi networks that are public, you’d be surprised at how much info can be garnered about you when you simply log in to the Wi-Fi to check your mails at a cafe. Lastly, if you do receive an email from an organization or governmental agency claiming to need your assistance or information for an audit or verification process, please verify the email address as well as the person contacting you. There’s nothing wrong with doing your homework and letting people wait a little while you verify the information. This could actually be a good move on your part because in the event that it is a scammer or hacker, they’ll move on quite quickly and lose interest. Rather safe than sorry, as the saying goes.
