Phishing 101: Don’t Take the Bait
Simple detection methods guard you against phishing scams.
In my experience providing local tech support, sometimes the most stressful problems aren’t broken computers — they’re scam emails.
These scams are called phishing. Like a fisherman casting a wide net, scammers send thousands of fake emails hoping someone will “take the bait” and click a harmful link. They often pretend to be your bank, Medicare, a delivery service, or even a utility company to trick you into giving away passwords or personal information.
The good news? You don’t need to be tech-savvy to spot them. Just watch for these common red flags:
• The “Emergency” Tactic: Scammers want you to panic. If an email says your account is locked or a package couldn’t be delivered and demands immediate action, pause. Real companies don’t pressure you with threats.
• The “From” Address: The name might look official, but the actual email address is often a strange mix of letters and numbers. That’s a warning sign.
• Odd Greetings & Typos: Be cautious of emails that say “Dear Customer” instead of your name, or contain poor grammar and spelling errors.
The Golden Rule:
If an email makes you anxious or urges you to click a link, don’t click. Close it. If you’re unsure, contact the company directly using a phone number you know is legitimate.
When in doubt, throw it out.
