How to Protect Yourself From Phishing?
Phishing refers to the act of obtaining victim's sensitive information thru posing as trusted companies and organizations. It is usually accomplishing through spoofed emails and spoofed website that urgently as for different types of information. Luckily, most people could immediately scent out an email sent by identity thieves and phishers with the poor graphics, misspelled words, awkward language. In most cases, we suggest you don't even open them or just click the "junk" button and delete.
However, this isn't always the case for text messages. Most people are less aware of SMS fraud and are more likely to be victims of it, partly because it is less common than junk mail and partly because SMS messages have a much higher distribution and open rate in general. Worse, there are no email filters in place to capture spam messages.
After all, if the sender has your phone number, he or she must know who you are, right?
Wrong. To defraud the unwary, identity thieves and phishers are constantly using SMS messages. According to CNA, the number of phishing scams reported in the first five months of 2020 has risen to 266 cases, almost 30 times the nine cases reported in the same period last year.
Text spam can attempt to lure you to visit a website that installs malware on your phone in order to collect your personal information. Alternatively, the message will instruct you to call a phone number to provide personal and financial details; any information you provide may be used to steal your identity and may be forwarded to someone who will send you more spam texts.
Let's make sure that doesn't happen to you.
If you receive a text message asking you take action or reply in any way such as clicking a link, providing personal information, calling or emailing. Please take the steps below to ensure your personal and financial information is protected.
Ensure the Validity of the Sender
Let's say you get a message from your bank that seems to be from them. (When my account balance falls below a certain level, my bank sends me an alert. Wait - should I admit that ever happens?) Call the number if you're uncertain. Fraudsters don't want to answer the phone, and if they do, the call's efficiency and lack of professionalism may be a sure giveaway. And if you're still unsure, you may go to your bank's website, log in and deal with the issue that way instead of by responding to the text.
Don't Click a Link Unless You're Absolutely Certain
Assume you receive a text from your airline telling you that your flight has been cancelled. If you're not sure about the text, don't click the "reschedule your flight" connection. Check the flight status and reschedule if necessary by calling the airline, using the airline's app, or going to the airline's website. Links don't only lead to a website; they can also install malware on your phone that steals your personal information without your knowledge.
Don't Provide Any Personal Information
"Any" includes your name, address, and any other information, in addition to financial information such as your Social Security number, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, passwords, and so on.
You will never be asked to provide information by text from a valid sender. You can be sure it's a scam if you get a text saying your account will be blocked unless you change your details. If you’re still not sure, go to the website of the account in question and check things out for yourself.
Don't Text "No" or "Stop" to Prevent Future Texts
It sounds like a good idea. You receive a text that says," if you prefer not to receive our future newsletter, please send STOP to 38666."
Will the fraudster stop? It's unlikely. The purpose or the goal of asking you to respond is to determine if your number active number. You'll receive plenty of the similar message when you responding to it. Probably from different fraudsters is an as well.
If you wish to understand more and how hosted anti- spam could help in your business or require any cybersecurity assistance for your business, do contact us via either our hotline at 6295 5962 or email us at info@achievement.com.sg today!
