Think Before You Click

Outsmarting Phishing Scams

Think Before You Click

Think Before You Click: Outsmarting Phishing Scams

The internet is a part of our daily routine—whether we’re shopping, checking the news, or handling our finances. But lurking behind all that convenience are scammers looking to catch you off guard with phishing scams. 

 

What's Phishing, Anyways?

Phishing is when scammers pose as trusted organizations—your financial institution, a government agency, or your favorite online store—hoping you'll hand over personal information like passwords, credit card numbers, or even your social security number. Their goal is to trick you, but with the right knowledge, you can spot them before they get too close. 


Common Phishing Scams (Because They're Clever Like That)

These scams show up in a few forms, and some are pretty convincing: 

Fake Emails: Messages that look like they’re from someone legit but push you to click a link or share sensitive information quickly. 

Phishing Websites: Sites that mimic trusted websites to collect your login info. 

Text Message Scams: Texts that ask for personal details or urge you to click a link. Definitely not legit. 


Spotting a Phishing Scam (It's Easier Than You Think)

Phishing attempts can be sneaky, but there are usually a few giveaways: 

Typos or Poor Grammar: A professional company won’t send out an email full of mistakes. 

Odd Links: Hover over any link before you click to check the actual URL. If it doesn’t match where you think it’s going, don’t click. 

Urgent Language: Scammers love creating a sense of urgency. If something feels rushed or dramatic, take a step back. 

Unexpected Attachments: Be cautious of attachments you didn’t ask for. They can be packed with malware. 


Not Sure It's Phishing? Here's What to Do

If something feels off, here are a few steps you can take to protect yourself: 

Verify the Sender: Contact the company or person directly using trusted contact information. 

Check for Typos: Legitimate organizations take their communications seriously. Errors can be a clue. 

Use Security Tools: Your browser can help identify suspicious websites—use that feature. 

Report the Scam: If you think you’ve spotted a phishing attempt, report it to the appropriate authorities. 


A Quick Reminder: Think Before You Click

Before you click any link or share sensitive information online, pause for a moment. That extra bit of caution can save you from a lot of trouble later. Stay alert and stay safe! 

Verify the Sender: Contact the company or person directly using trusted contact information. 

Check for Typos: Legitimate organizations take their communications seriously. Errors can be a clue. 

Use Security Tools: Your browser can help identify suspicious websites—use that feature. 

 

More tips:    

- If you receive a suspicious call or text, please call us at 888.336.2700 to confirm the message is truly from us.    

- Visit our Security and Fraud Protection page for more support.