Online Fraud: Phishing
7/5/2023
1 minute read
Phishing is a type of online fraud in which criminals use fake emails, websites, texts, and other methods to try and trick people into providing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and other financial information. Often, these fraudulent messages appear to come from legitimate sources, such as banks, credit card companies, or other trusted organizations.
The following are tips to avoid being a target of phishing:
Pay attention to suspicious emails, texts, and websites asking for personal information.
Never click on links from unknown senders. If you receive an email or text that you suspect may be a phishing scam, it's important to delete it immediately and not click on any links or attachments.
Use strong passwords, change them regularly, and enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) if available. This can help protect your personal information from being stolen by hackers who may try to use it for fraudulent purposes. You should not use the same password for multiple accounts. This can make it easier for hackers to access your personal information. Therefore, it is crucial to have a different password for each account.
Keep your computer and other electronic devices up to date with the latest security software. This can help protect you from malware and other types of online threats that may be used in phishing scams.
Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks, as these can be vulnerable to hacking and other types of cyber-attacks.
Be vigilant about monitoring your accounts for suspicious activity. This can include checking your bank statements regularly for unauthorized transactions, monitoring your credit report for signs of fraud, and reporting any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
Phishing is a serious threat to your personal information and financial security. Be aware of the signs of a scam. Use strong passwords, do not click on unexpected or unverified links or file attachments, keep your devices up to date with the latest security software, and monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.
At Lendmark, your information security is our top priority. If you want to work with a lender you can trust, reach out, or visit your local branch.
