Spam scams and phishing campaigns are on the rise, it's crucial to stay vigilant and take proactive measures to protect yourself. Here are some general tips to help you avoid falling victim to such scams:
Be Skeptical: Always approach unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls with skepticism. Verify the identity of the sender or caller before providing any personal information.
Check Email Addresses: Verify the sender's email address. Phishers often use email addresses that mimic legitimate ones but may have slight variations or misspellings.
Look for Red Flags: Be cautious of emails or messages that contain spelling and grammar errors, urgent requests for personal information, or generic greetings. Legitimate organizations usually communicate professionally.
Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking. If it looks suspicious or does not match the claimed destination, don't click on it. Instead, manually enter the website's address in a new browser window.
Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA whenever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts. This makes it harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access.
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest phishing tactics and scams. Knowing what to look for can help you recognize potential threats.
Keep Software Updated: Ensure that your operating system, antivirus software, and other applications are up to date with the latest security patches.
Use Strong Passwords: Create unique and strong passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using easily guessable information, such as birthdays or common words.
Verify Requests for Sensitive Information: If you receive a request for sensitive information, especially over email or phone, verify the legitimacy of the request by contacting the organization directly using official contact information.
Use Email Filtering: Enable spam filters on your email accounts to help filter out suspicious emails. However, be aware that some phishing emails may still make it through, so always exercise caution.
Remember, staying informed and practicing good cybersecurity hygiene are essential in protecting yourself from online threats. If you ever have doubts about the legitimacy of an email or message, it's better to verify its authenticity before taking any action.
Set up an appointment today or call 405-474-2555 if you are worried. We are here to help and advise.