What About Scams – Again?
Scams have become more advanced, using trust and fear to trick people. They adapt to new technology, including artificial intelligence, to deceive individuals. The most common scams today are phishing and tech support scams. These aim to get sensitive information or unauthorized access to your devices. As I often say, “They mess with you, trying to make you doubt yourself and keep you confused.” Be Suspicious all the time!
Phishing scams trick people into giving away passwords, credit card details, or personal data by pretending to be legitimate requests. Cybercriminals now use AI to create realistic emails that look authentic, making them harder to spot. These scams create a sense of urgency to push victims into quick decisions, using fear, authority, or your curiosity.
Traditional phishing happens through fake emails that encourage users to click on harmful links, which can install malware or lead to fake websites that steal login information. A more advanced method, link manipulation, disguises URLs to look like real websites while actually leading victims elsewhere. Website “spoofing” copies entire web pages from banks or retailers to trick users into entering sensitive information.
Phishing techniques have expanded beyond email scams. “Vishing” (voice phishing) involves scammers pretending to be trusted organizations over the phone to get information. “Quishing” (QR code phishing) uses harmful QR codes to send users to fake sites, often placed in public areas where people are likely to scan them.
Financial institutions, retailers, and government agencies will never ask for personal details via email or text. If you get an email from “MyBank.com” asking you to click a link due to account issues, *DO NOT* click it. Instead, go to the official website directly or contact your bank’s customer support. Scammers use urgency to bypass rational thinking—they know that pressure is crucial for them getting to you.
To protect yourself, do not click on unsolicited links. First, verify sender identities through official channels, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA or 2FA) for extra security. And regularly update security software to guard against malware. Awareness and skepticism can help prevent identity theft and financial loss.
Tech support scams take advantage of people’s lack of technical knowledge. They use scare tactics to create panic about possible device problems. Scammers pretending to be security experts claim that your computer is compromised, pressuring victims to act quickly. These scams often start with unsolicited phone calls, emails, pop-ups, or misleading search results for tech support numbers. Me, the Gray Haired Tech, almost fell for one of these scams myself a few years back; a close call!
A typical tech support scam might involve a pop-up alert falsely warning about a virus infection, then telling the user to call a number for help. Once engaged, scammers use fear tactics, insisting that immediate action is necessary to prevent identity theft or data breaches. Some may pretend to be well-known companies like Microsoft or Apple to make their claims seem credible.
Once they have hooked their target, scammers request remote access to your device under the pretense of fixing the issue. They usually tell victims to install remote software like “AnyDesk” (anydesk.com) or “TeamViewer” (teamviewer.com), giving them full control over your computer. Both of these apps are safe to use…in the right hands, of course. With this level of access, fraudsters can steal financial data, install malware, and trick victims into paying for fake services. Some may even claim to fix the issue. Then only to leave behind hidden malware that allows them to return days, weeks, or months later and demand payment for another supposed fix.
To avoid tech support scams, remember that no legitimate company will ever contact you unsolicited for tech support. If a pop-up claims your device is infected and urges immediate action, close it without interacting. Never give remote access unless you contacted reputable tech support first, and always check service numbers through official websites before calling.
Be cautious of anyone asking for sensitive data, remote access, or payment through untraceable methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency. The only want your money, nothing else.
Be EXTREMELY careful of online relationships. If they ever mention money, dump them! Scammers often pretend to be romantic partners, distant relatives, or distressed friends, using emotions to get money. No one you meet online loves you sight unseen! If someone ever asks for money or personal information, they only “love” your willingness to give it to them.
I know that I have repeated lots of this over the years, but please be careful! From the emails I get, many of you are too trusting. With informed decision-making and skepticism, you can outfox scammers and protect yourself in a deceptive digital world. Stay alert, stay safe!
