Scamming My Way To You
Scamming My Way In To You
Written by,
Michael Johnston
Chief Security Advisor at Boss Security Screens
I don't know about you, but I can't seem to escape the constant barrage of scamming emails, texts, and telephone calls designed to capture my identity or gain access to my network systems. Unfortunately, none of us are alone, and none of us are safe. While we feel safer using virus protection software, the reality is that we can compromise nearly every level of protection with a simple click of a button. That's how it works. Scammers will go to great lengths to design emails and text messages that either look legitimate or entice your curiosity with a catch phrase that leads you to open and explore its contents. Don't be tempted!!!
Have you ever received a text message with no caller ID and it read something simple like "hello" or "how are you?" This tactic aims to engage you in subsequent conversation that eventually leads to requests for money, dialogue that exposes your identity, or links that capture your personal information or network data. I do not care if anyone has miss dialed or made a typo while addressing an email. I am no longer curious or care enough to place myself at risk so that I "might" help correct a misguided attempt to reach someone. The personal risks make doing a good deed a very dangerous thing. NEVER respond to such attempts. Simply add the number to your blocked number or email list, delete it, and move on with your life still intact.
Scammers are pretty creative, so the messages are designed to look realistic. They will use sources that are important in our lives, like bank accounts, iCloud accounts, refunds, and free gifting, such as a gift card you did not expect, as a way to get you to click the links. And why wouldn't you click the link? Who doesn't like free stuff? Trust me; there is nothing free about these links; they will cost you dearly. NEVER click the links, call the numbers provided within them, or respond with your account information. If you believe there is an ounce of truth to what these text messages and emails suggest, research a customer support number from a trusted source and call directly. We have all been told at some point in our lives that if it sounds too good to be true, then it isn't true. Nothing is free; a catch always reels you in for more (1).
According to the Federal Trade Commission, phishing emails and text messages are not always easy to identify. Still, they often have telltale stories or suspicious tricks that should tip you off that you are about to be scammed. They may:
say they've noticed some suspicious activity or login attempts
claim there's a problem with your account or your payment information
say you must confirm some personal information
include a fake invoice
want you to click on a link to make a payment
say you're eligible to register for a government refund
offer a coupon for free stuff
Here's a real-world example of a phishing email the FTC shared on its website. Take a good look at this image because signs within it should tip you off that it is a fake.
Do you see any signs that it's a scam? Let's take a look.
The email looks like it's from a company you may know and trust: Netflix. It even uses a Netflix logo and header.
The email says your account is on hold because of a billing problem.
The email has a generic greeting, "Hi Dear." Of course, if you have an account with the business, it probably wouldn't use a generic greeting like this.
The email invites you to click on a link to update your payment details (2).
As you can see, scammers want their attempts to look as authentic as possible, but as I stated before, if you believe it to be a reasonable attempt to reach you, then contact them via a customer support number you obtained from a trusted source. Doing so is the only way to avoid being victimized.
This article contains words to live by, but what if you fell for one of these tricks and now realize that you made a huge mistake? Here are some things you need to do right away to prevent severe damage to your credit history and to help prevent financial implications:
Some folks say you need to report it as your first step; I beg to differ. The first step is changing all your affected account passwords and using two-factor identification. Also, change any other accounts that have the same login and password. It would be best if you had different logins and password words for each account, but bad guys hope we are lazy and share them. If you are lucky, you may have gotten to your account before they do.
Next, you should call the companies to alert them of the mistake so your account can be flagged and monitored for suspicious activity. Failing to notify your account holder can lead to problems for you.
Call the three major credit report companies, TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian, so you can place a fraud alert with them. Generally, reporting to one also notifies the others.
Now you have time to make the notification calls to the reporting agencies. Phone carriers, email services, and government fraud reporting sites, etc. This is an effective way to stop this illegal activity – for yourself and others.
Finally, block the scammer's email and phone number in your email and on your phone. This will prevent additional emails and calls.
Never trust; always verify before you go clinking links, returning calls, or providing information. While it feels like a hassle to do so, you will be saving yourself a world of heartache. Just know that if you didn't ask for or expect the information, it is most likely a scam.
We at Boss Security Screens want to help keep everyone safe. So please keep checking in to see what new content we have to offer.
Until next time…be safe and be prepared!
About Michael Johnston:
Michael was born and raised in rural Nebraska. He began his law enforcement career in 1989 with the Lincoln Police Department, Lincoln, NE, where he worked as a patrol officer for nearly four years. Michael joined the Henderson Police Department in 1993, first as a Corrections Officer and later as a Police Officer in June of 1995. During his tenure, Michael has worked as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Officer in Charge, Crisis Negotiator, K-9 Handler, and Narcotics Investigator. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2005 and moved to the Investigations Division, where he supervised the Property and Special Victims Units. In 2009, Michael was promoted to Lieutenant, where he served as a Watch Commander in patrol and supervisor of the Community Relations Unit. In March of 2013, he became one of eight (8) Captains for the Henderson Police Department Command Team. Michael led the Special Services Division overseeing SWAT, K-9, and Motors but later took the lead as Division Commander of the Investigative Services Division until late 2017. Michael finished his career as the East Area Commander before retiring in early 2019. Immediately after retirement, Michael transitioned to the gaming industry, where he served as the Director of Security and Risk Assessment for Boulder Hwy Gaming and Water St Gaming, LLC. Michael created security strategies, training programs, and policies that reduced security risks and mitigated organizational liabilities. In late 2021, Michael opened Code 4 Consulting; Private Investigations (NV PILB LIC #3090). His company provides a broad spectrum of investigative services, case reviews, expert witness support, and executive protection. He also supports organizations with employee training, compliance, risk assessment, and prevention strategies to target organizational issues that create corporate risk and liability. Michael now joins Boss Security Screens as our Chief Security Advisor. Incorporating his training, experience, and expertise into our operation brings our customers valuable content and insight.
* Content for this article was obtained from the following sources:
*The author is a paid consultant and product representative for Boss Security Screens. The information provided in this blog does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials are the author's opinion and for general informational purposes only. It is recommended that you consult an attorney, certified trainers, or licensed providers before acting on any information provided. This website may link to other third-party websites. Such links are for the convenience of the reader and are not endorsed by the author.