Security Risk 4
When in doubt, don't click
Security Risk 4
When in doubt, don't click
Scammers take advantage of busy periods like the New Year. Messages about deliveries, refunds, prizes, or urgent account issues are all designed to ignite a quick reaction while you are distracted.
One click can lead to stolen passwords, locked accounts, or identity theft and your compromised accounts may also be used to target friends and family.
Warning signs to watch for
- Messages that create urgency or pressure
- Poor spelling or unusual wording
- Requests for passwords, codes, or payment details
- Links that don't quite match the sender's name
Simple ways to stay safe
- Pause before responding to urgent messages
- Hover over the sender's email address to reveal it fully and check it for spelling mistakes or to reveal a ghost account
- Don't click links from unknown or suspicious senders
- Visit official websites directly instead of using message links
- Encourage children to talk to you if they receive any strange messages