01 October 2019 boxchilli Last Updated: 09 February 2024 Protect Yourself from Phishing: How to Avoid Phishing Scams Phishing is one of the most common scams that the majority of people have experienced. It’s the act of using false information to obtain someone’s passwords, private information and money. Many people have received classic fishing emails from a prince who needs your bank details in order to send large quantities of money. Although in 2019, everyone is fairly tech-savvy and can identify these scams, it still happens all over the internet. As technology develops, so does the complexity of these scams. We’ve put together a handy guide on how to protect yourself and always stay safe from phishing emails and sites. What is Phishing? You may be thinking, but what is phishing? Phishing is a type of online fraud that can lead to your sensitive data being leaked. For example, financial information or passwords are sources of information that online fraudsters often seek, and phishing attempts can be done through social media, email or websites. 7 Ways to Avoid Phishing Attacks 1. Don’t open anything you aren’t expecting It seems obvious but always think before opening an email. If your inbox is full, you may click on an email inadvertently. This could open you up to scams and leak your sensitive information. If it’s not something you usually receive or aren’t expecting, be warier. Remember that banks will never ask for any personal details over email. If you receive an email of this nature, delete it and don’t reply. If you think your information has been compromised, contact your bank immediately to avoid becoming a victim. 2. Check spelling and grammar Many phishing scams will have signs that they are fake. Bad spelling and grammar is a massive red flag. If in doubt, scan over the email and see how it reads. Official emails from legitimate companies will always use the correct vocabulary. If the language or phrasing seems off, it’s likely to be a scam. 3. Be aware of what they’re saying A lot of scammers use language that wouldn’t be appropriate if it was from an official sender. For example, a sense of urgency in action. A scammer would try to threaten the user with an online account being shut down to try and encourage them to act immediately. Check the email to see if it’s a generic one which could be sent to anyone. Scammers often use “dear user/customer” instead of your actual name. This shows that it’s a mass email instead of you being contacted personally about an issue. 4. Don’t open attachments No matter how tempting it is, don’t open those dodgy attachments. Unless you are absolutely expecting it and know what it is, opening an attachment can open your computer up to viruses. It’s also important you don’t reply to the scammer in any way. 5. Don’t open pop-up screens Another obvious one. Be aware when using the internet and don’t click on any links that lead to pop-up screens. Your browser will usually inform you if you are using a suspicious site, so just remain savvy and stick to non fraudulent sites which you know are secure. 6. Look into phishing filters Although it won’t totally eradicate the risk of phishing, it will reduce the amount you receive. These applications can be installed on both web pages and email services. Filters are a great way to add an extra level of protection. 7. Keep up to date with new techniques New phishing techniques and scams are often being developed. Keep up to date with them so you won’t be fooled. If you find one that’s particularly prominent, share it with friends and family members so they won’t get fooled either. How to Avoid Phishing Scams Don’t open anything you aren’t expecting Check spelling and grammar Be aware of what they’re saying Don’t open attachments Don’t open pop-up screens Look into phishing filters Keep up to date with new techniques Our website support team can help to keep your website safe to prevent phishing attacks. If you’re looking for a comprehensive website with fantastic SEO, look no further than boxChilli. We have a huge depth of experience in all things digital and can help your site rank and your traffic increase. We cover areas throughout Hampshire and the surrounding areas including Portsmouth, Southampton, Basingstoke, Winchester and Guilford. Get in touch today for more information. Back to blog list About the Author boxchilli