{"id":1264,"date":"2024-04-01T01:25:23","date_gmt":"2024-04-01T08:25:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cppsocal.org\/?p=1264"},"modified":"2024-07-16T01:28:31","modified_gmt":"2024-07-16T08:28:31","slug":"gone-phishing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cppsocal.org\/gone-phishing\/","title":{"rendered":"Gone Phishing"},"content":{"rendered":"

Phishing (and other) Scams and How to Avoid Getting Caught in the Net
\nBy Melissa Somers, Executive Director,
\nCrime Prevention Program of Southern California*<\/p>\n

Financial crimes continue to be a leading threat globally as fraudsters are doing their best to capitalize on the massive amount of information being shared online.\u00a0 The huge increase in online and phone commerce in the past few years has created a tempting environment for scammers while their devotion to a dishonest day\u2019s work has emboldened them to branch out.\u00a0 Many of the schemes we\u2019re experiencing today are far more advanced than in previous years while others still rely solely on exploiting vulnerability or simply cashing in on a crime of opportunity.<\/p>\n

The definition of fraud, \u201cwrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain\u201d, encompasses so many types of crimes these days, it can be overwhelming.\u00a0 The Federal Trade Commission states that \u201cconsumers reported losing nearly $8.8 BILLION to fraud in 2022, an increase of more than 30% over the previous year\u201d. The FBI\u2019s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reports that they received a total of 800,944 reported complaints, with losses exceeding $10.3 billion.\u00a0 While the total number of complaints decreased by 5%, dollar losses increased by 49%. And surprisingly, victims aged 30-39 were the largest reporting group, while the greatest dollar loss was incurred by people over the age of 60. Let\u2019s face it: Imposters are more advanced and emboldened now more than ever and it shows- not just in the staggering amount of fraud in our everyday lives, but in the sheer number of ways they are trying to stick it to us.<\/p>\n

While we can\u2019t control the evildoers behind these scams, we can arm ourselves with information. Phrases like \u201cWhen in doubt, throw it out\u201d and \u201cSuspect deceit? Hit delete!\u201d are helpful hints to employ and share.\u00a0 It\u2019s also helpful to educate ourselves about some of the more common scams around today in hopes to avoid falling for these scams – hook, line and sinker.<\/p>\n

Phishing \u2013 The use of authentic-looking emails, often purporting to be from a bank or government agency, generally sent en masse, to persuade a recipient to respond with sensitive personal data.<\/p>\n

Spear phishing \u2013 Phishing with personalized email, often appearing to be from someone you know.<\/p>\n

Smishing \u2013 Phishing attempts that go to your mobile device via text message (SMS\/ short message service).<\/p>\n

Spoofing \u2013 When someone disguises an email address, sender name, phone number, or website URL \u2013 often just by changing one letter, symbol, or number \u2013 to convince you that you are interacting with a trusted source.<\/p>\n

Vishing \u2013 Phishing attempts that happen over a phone call, voice mail, or VoIP (voice over internet protocol) calls.<\/p>\n

Pharming \u2013 The use of malicious programs to route you to a fake website, even if you\u2019ve correctly typed in the address of the site you want to visit. These are often convincing look-alikes of well-known sites.<\/p>\n

BEC \/ Business Email Compromise \u2013 One of the most financially damaging online crimes where criminals send a message that appears to come from a known source, making a legitimate request (changing mailing address, request the purchase of gift cards).<\/p>\n

Clickbait \u2013 A story or link designed to attract a reader\u2019s attention.\u00a0 By clicking the link, you may share your information unwittingly or inadvertently download malware or spyware.<\/p>\n

Malware \u2013 Short for malicious software, this term encompasses computer viruses and other types of programs that criminals use to disrupt or access your computer, typically with the aim of gathering sensitive files and accounts.<\/p>\n

Spyware \u2013 A type of malware installed on devices to track your actions and collect information without your knowledge.<\/p>\n

Here are some tips from sources like the FBI and Federal Trade Commission to protect yourself:<\/p>\n