Phishing Scams

Scam Prevention Guide

Phishing occurs when a scammer sends emails or other messages purporting to be from reputable companies to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. Do you have the information you need to protect yourself from phishing scams? Take our quiz!

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1. Two-factor authorization can help protect you against phishing attacks. True or false?

True False

Correct! Two-factor or multi-factor authorization is a great way to add security to your accounts and devices.

Incorrect. Two-factor authorization is a great way to add security to your accounts and devices.

2. You receive an email from the government stating that you owe money and must pay immediately, or you’ll be fined. You should:

Click the link to make sure it is real. Delete it immediately Pay it immediately to avoid fines

Incorrect. Never click a link from an unsolicited email or text. Instead, go directly to the organization’s website to confirm it is legitimate.

Correct! Scammers impersonate government agencies and other authority figures to get you to take action. If you have questions, always check directly with the agency by contacting them through their website or the number on your statement.

Incorrect. Scammers impersonate government agencies and other authority figures to get you to take action. Never click a link from an unsolicited email or text. Instead, go directly to the organization’s website to confirm it is legitimate.

3. Which one of these statements is correct?

Clicking on an unknown link is okay if you have a spam blocker You can trust an email really comes from a client if it uses the client’s logo and contains at least one fact about the client that you know to be true. If you get a message from a colleague who needs your network password, you should never give it out unless the colleague says it’s an emergency. If you get an email from Human Resources asking you to provide personal information right away, you should check it out first to make sure they are who they say they are.

False

Correct

4. You get a text message from your bank informing you that your account has been compromised. It asks you to click on a link to reset your security information. You should:

Reply to the text to get more details about how to renew your password. Pick up the phone and call the bank, using the number on your debit card or statement. Click on the link to see if it is real.

Incorrect. Never click on an unsolicited link, even if you have a connection to the person or organization. Instead, follow up directly with the organization via phone or its official website.

Correct! Never click on an unsolicited link.

Incorrect. Never click on an unsolicited link, even if you have a connection to the person or organization. Instead, follow up directly with the organization via phone or its official website.

5. You find a social media ad for a puppy with a link to a professional-looking website. The seller is out of state, but they are selling puppies at a better price than you've seen elsewhere. The seller required a deposit and a copy of your photo ID before they set up a sales agreement. What is the next best step?

Transfer the money quickly to make sure you get the puppy while it is still available. Read reviews on the seller’s website before deciding. Provide the information they've asked for; it shows that they are thorough. See the pet in person before making any payment.

Incorrect. Pets are the #1 product used to perpetrate online shopping scams. BBB estimates that 80 percent of pet advertisements are fake. Never pay for a pet you haven’t seen in person.

Incorrect. It’s very difficult to spot a fake review. Pets are the #1 product used to perpetrate online shopping scams. BBB estimates that 80 percent of pet advertisements are fake. Never pay for a pet you haven’t seen in person.

Incorrect. Pets are the #1 product used to perpetrate online shopping scams. BBB estimates that 80 percent of pet advertisements are fake. Never pay for a pet you haven’t seen in person.

Correct! Know what you’re getting. Always verify before making a purchase to a pet seller.

LEARN MORE: SPOT A PHONY EMAIL.

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