Chat & Voice Phishing Threats:  Don't Fall for the Bait!

The digital world is full of opportunities, but it's also a breeding ground for scammers.  Chat and voice phishing are two common tactics used to steal your personal information and money.

What is Chat Phishing?

Chat phishing is a form of online scam where attackers use instant messaging apps, social media platforms, or online chat rooms to trick you into giving them sensitive information. They might:

   
• Pretend to be someone you know:  A friend, family member, or even a coworker.
   
• Create a fake sense of urgency:  They may claim there's an emergency, a problem with your account, or a limited-time offer.
   
• Send you a malicious link: This link could lead to a fake website that looks real but is designed to steal your login details or credit card information.

How to protect yourself:

   
• Be cautious about who you chat with:  Verify identities, especially if someone is asking for personal information.
   
• Never click on suspicious links:  Hover over a link to see its destination before clicking.
   
• Report suspicious messages:  Inform the platform or app where you received the message.

Voice Phishing: The Grandparent Scam and Other Telephone Frauds

Voice phishing, also known as vishing, is a type of phishing attack that uses phone calls to trick you into revealing personal information or transferring money.

The Grandparent Scam:

This is a particularly insidious form of vishing where scammers target elderly individuals. They may:

   
• Pretend to be a grandchild in distress:  They'll claim to be in a car accident, need bail money, or be in a foreign country and need financial assistance.
   
• Create a sense of urgency:  They'll pressure you to act quickly and often use emotional appeals.

Other Telephone Frauds:

   
• IRS Scam:  Scammers claim to be from the IRS and demand immediate payment of taxes.
   
• Utility Scam:  They threaten to shut off your electricity or water unless you pay a fake bill immediately.
   
• Tech Support Scam:  They claim to be from a tech company and offer to fix a problem with your computer, then demand payment for "services" you didn't need.

How to Protect Yourself:

   
• Be wary of unsolicited calls:  If you don't recognize the number, don't answer.
   
• Don't give out personal information:  Never share sensitive information like your social security number, bank account details, or passwords over the phone.
   
• If you suspect a scam, hang up:  Don't engage with the scammer.

Remember, scammers are always changing their tactics. Stay informed and vigilant to protect yourself and your loved ones from these phishing threats.