Most scams are some variation of a “social engineering attack.” This is a trick that scammers use to fool others into giving away important information, like passwords, money, or personal details.
Instead of hacking computers with fancy technology, they trick people using lies, fear, or fakekindness to get what they want. One example:
Imagine you get a phone call from someone pretending to be from your bank. They say there’s a problem with your account and ask for your account number and password to “fix” it. If you believe them and give that information, they can steal your money.
Common Tricks:
1. Phone Scams: Someone pretends to be a bank, government agency, or even a relative in trouble.
2. Fake Emails (Phishing): Emails that look real but ask you to click a link and enter your personal info.
3. Tech Support Scams: A fake technician calls, saying your computer has a virus and asks for remote access.
4. Delivery Scams: A fake message saying a package couldn’t be delivered, asking you to click a link.
5. Sweet-Talkers: A friendly person at a store or online might ask too many personal questions to steal your identity.
How to Defend Yourself:
a. Be Skeptical: If a call, email, or text seems urgent or strange, stop & think before responding.
b. Verify: Call the company or person directly using a trusted number, not the one they gave you.
c. Never, Never Share Personal Info: Banks, the IRS, and real companies will never ask for your password over the phone or email.
d. Watch for Urgency: Scammers want you to panic & act fast. Take your time to check if it’s real.
e. It’s Okay to Ask for Help: If something seems suspicious, talk to a family member or trusted friend before responding.
