|
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.
Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might:
• Say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — They haven’t!
• Claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — There isn’t!
• Say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — You don’t!
• Include an invoice you don’t recognize — It’s fake!
• Want you to click on a link to make a payment — But the link has malware!
• Say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — It’s a scam!
• Offer a coupon for free stuff — It’s not real!
While real companies might communicate with you by email, legitimate companies won’t email or text with a link to update your payment information. Phishing emails can often have real consequences for people who give scammers their information, including identity theft. And they might harm the reputation of the companies they’re spoofing.
Source: FTC.gov
| 
