Hook, Line, & Sinker! What is Phishing and Why You Should NOT take the bait!
Hook, Line, & Sinker!
What is Phishing and Why You Should NOT take the bait!
Phishing or Phishing tactics/scams are tricks hackers use to get personal information from us online/offline.
Phishers can trick you through:
Text Messages
Emails
Phone Calls
Social Media Posts
1. Mass-Market/Email Phishing – The most common type of Phishing. These are often seen as DMs or personal messages with suspicious links that are often urgent and out of the blue. Emails with suspicious attachments and voice messages with claims of “Free” and almost unbelievable prices. Usually sent out often by people you do not recognize.
2. Spear Phishing: attacks that target ” High Value ” clients. These attacks are most often highly successful, carefully crafted, and personalized. These may appear to come from someone you trust. Make sure to double-check email addresses and sources before replying.
3. Whaling Phishing: attacks specifically the top or CXX executives of a company or organization (big fish). These attacks usually come in the form of legal documents, subpoenas, customer complaints, or fake executive-level messages.
4. Vishing- not all phishing scams are made online. To target a wide array of people, scammers resort to the most conventional type of communication: Telephone/Cellular Phone Calls.
5. Pop-Up Phishing – Fraudulent pop-ups are not only annoying, but they are also chock full of malware and malicious intent. Make sure to download an ad-blocker to prevent accidental clicks on sudden pop-ups.
How can I report Phishing?
Report Phishing scams or attempts through proper channels and authorities. Report phishing attacks/attempts to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Or to the Anti-Phishing Working Group site here:
https://apwg.org/ or forward an email to [email protected]
If you suspect receiving a phishing text message, forward to SPAMM – 7726
Protect Yourself!
DON’T Open or Answer Suspicious/Questionable Emails
DON’T click on Pop-up ads
DON’T click on suspicious links
DON’T open unsecured sites (look for the secure or green lock symbol)
DO use/download an ad blocker
DO use spam filters
DO check if your antivirus software is up-to-date
DO check your passwords
DO enable 2FA (2 Factor Authorization) like Google Authenticator
DON’T be fooled!
Protect your identity by eliminating the possible triggers. Never provide or give away any personal, credit card, or online account information. Instead, ask for their contact information and do your own independent check on the validity of certain callers/emails/messages.
What’s Going on in your neighborhood?
Are you a Seller? Get your FREE Market Analysis to help better determine your values or if you need a referral to a lender or insurance provider.
Looking For the Best Realtor in Valencia? I’m here to help!
Loved this article? Tweet it!
Phishing or Phishing tactics/scams are tricks hackers use to get personal information from us
Tweet
“Turning Houses Into Homes”
Cyndi Lesinski
Cyndi Lesinski and Associates
CAL DRE # 01343529
VIP Realty Group DRE# 02023078
Looking for the best Realtor in Santa Clarita, Valencia, and Surrounding Areas?
Choose the Best in California Real Estate! Choose Cyndi Lesinski & Associates
Top 1% Realtor in Los Angeles County
Serving Valencia, Castaic, Canyon Country, Newhall, Saugus, Stevenson Ranch, Santa Clarita, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, and Beyond!