{"id":26902,"date":"2023-09-26T08:07:20","date_gmt":"2023-09-26T12:07:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thundercloud.net\/infoave\/new\/?p=26902"},"modified":"2023-09-26T08:07:20","modified_gmt":"2023-09-26T12:07:20","slug":"how-to-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thundercloud.net\/infoave\/new\/how-to-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams"},"content":{"rendered":"

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How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Despite what VPN companies, identity theft companies, and security software companies would like you to believe, the way you’re most likely to have your identity stolen is by falling for a phishing scam.\u00a0 More than 90% of those who have had their identity stolen were victims of phishing scams.<\/span><\/p>\n

The total cost of identity theft in 2022 was estimated to be $43 billion, according to Javelin Strategy & Research. The average loss per victim was $1100. However, the cost of identity theft can vary widely depending on the type of fraud that is committed. For example, victims of credit card fraud may have to pay unauthorized charges, while victims of tax fraud may have to pay additional taxes or penalties.<\/span><\/p>\n

Identity theft is a serious crime, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your financial well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n

I was looking for information on phishing and found an excellent article about phishing.\u00a0 It’s well-written and easy to read. And while it is written with U.S. citizens in mind, most of the information applies to everyone regardless of where you live.\u00a0 We would like you to read it’s important to us that we help you stay safe. The following is from the FTC.gov website<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams<\/span><\/h1>\n

Scammers use email or text messages to trick you into giving them your personal and financial information. But there are several ways to protect yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n

How To Recognize Phishing<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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 \u2014 and they\u2019re often successful.<\/span><\/p>\n

Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:<\/span><\/p>\n

Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment.\u00a0You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it\u2019s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it\u2019s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might<\/span><\/p>\n