Phishing Scams

How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams

Article Provided by the Federal Trade Commission

Scammers use email or text messages to trick you into giving them your personal information. They may try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could gain access to your email, bank or other accounts. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day - and they're often successful.

Scammers often update their tactics, but there are some signs that will help you recognize a phishing email or text message.

Phishing emails and text messages may look like they're from a company you know or trust. They may look like they're from a bank, a credit card company, a social networking site, an online payment website or app, or an online store.

Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. They may say they've noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts claim there's a problem with your account or your payment information say you must confirm some personal information include a fake invoice want you to click on a link to make a payment say you're eligible to register for a government refund offer a coupon for free stuff.

How To Protect Yourself From Phishing Attacks

Your email spam filters may keep many phishing emails out of your inbox. But scammers are always trying to outsmart spam filters, so it's a good idea to add extra layers of protection. Here are four steps you can take today to protect yourself from phishing attacks.

1. Protect your computer by using security software.
2. Protect you mobile phone by setting software to update automatically.
3. Protect you accounts by using multi-factor authentication.
4. Protect your data by backing it up.

If you ever have any questions, you can also contact a team member at Community State Bank and we'll be happy to help.

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