Phishing
What is Phishing?
a type of cyber attack where attackers attempt to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal details, by impersonating trustworthy entities.
What is identity theft?
Identity theft is the act of stealing someone's personal information, such as Social Security numbers, credit card details, or bank account info, to commit fraud or other crimes.
What is credit card fraud?
Credit card fraud occurs when someone uses your credit card information without permission to make unauthorized purchases or transactions.
What is a wire transfer scam?
A wire transfer scam occurs when fraudsters trick individuals or businesses into sending money via wire transfer, often by impersonating someone the victim trusts, like a boss or family member.
What is a bank fraud scam?
A bank fraud scam occurs when criminals trick individuals into providing sensitive banking information, like account numbers or PINs, to steal money or commit fraudulent transactions.
One way you can recognize a phishing email?
How do criminals steal personal information?
phishing, hacking, or by obtaining data from unsecured websites or public records.
How do criminals commit credit card fraud?
Criminals can commit fraud by stealing physical cards, hacking online accounts, using card skimming devices, or purchasing stolen credit card data from the dark web.
How do wire transfer scams work?
Scammers typically create a sense of urgency or emergency, convincing the victim to send funds quickly. They may claim it’s for an urgent business deal, a family emergency, or a supposed debt.
How can you spot a bank fraud scam?
Signs include unsolicited calls, emails, or texts asking for account details, suspicious links to "verify" your account, or any communication threatening your account will be locked unless you act immediately.
What should you do if you receive a phishing email?
What are the signs that your identity might have been stolen?
Signs include unexplained charges on credit cards, unfamiliar accounts or loans in your name, receiving bills or notices for accounts you didn’t open, and being denied credit unexpectedly.
What are the signs of credit card fraud?
Signs include unexpected charges on your credit card statement, unfamiliar transactions, or receiving a card statement with purchases you didn’t make.
What are common signs of a wire transfer scam?
Answer: Common signs include unexpected requests for money, urgent or emotional messages, unfamiliar payment instructions, or requests to transfer money to overseas accounts.
Common signs include unexpected requests for money, urgent or emotional messages, unfamiliar payment instructions, or requests to transfer money to overseas accounts.
How can you protect your bank account from fraud?
Protect your bank account by using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), avoiding public Wi-Fi for financial transactions, and regularly reviewing your bank statements for unauthorized activity.
Can phishing attacks happen on social media?
Yes, phishing can happen on social media platforms. Cybercriminals may send direct messages or post fake links to trick users into giving up personal information or clicking on malicious links. Be cautious of unsolicited friend requests, messages asking for personal info, or links claiming you’ve won something or that your account needs verification.
How can you protect yourself from identity theft?
Protect yourself by using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, shredding sensitive documents, monitoring your credit reports, and being cautious of unsolicited emails or phone calls asking for personal information.
How can you protect yourself from credit card fraud?
Protect yourself by monitoring your statements regularly, using strong passwords for online accounts, avoiding public Wi-Fi for financial transactions, and enabling alerts for purchases on your credit card.
How can you protect yourself from wire transfer scams?
Always verify requests for wire transfers by contacting the person or business directly through trusted contact methods, not the details provided in the message. Be cautious of high-pressure tactics or requests for secrecy.
What should you do if you receive a suspicious email or call claiming to be from your bank?
Never respond to unsolicited messages or calls. Instead, contact your bank directly using the official phone number or website to verify the request. Do not click on links or provide personal information.
What is one way to protect yourself from phishing attacks?
What should you do if your identity is stolen?
If your identity is stolen, report it to the authorities (like the FTC or your country's equivalent), notify your bank and credit card companies, place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit report, and consider filing a police report.
What should you do if your credit card is used fraudulently?
Contact your credit card issuer immediately to report the fraud, dispute the charges, and request a new card with a different number. Also, consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit report.
What should you do if you suspect a wire transfer scam?
If you suspect a scam, immediately contact your bank to stop the transfer, report the incident to local authorities or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), and alert the person who was impersonated, if applicable.
How can you secure your online banking?
Use strong, unique passwords for your online banking accounts, activate two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of protection, and be cautious about logging in from public or shared computers. Also, keep your devices and security software updated.