How to Spot a Scam Email, Text Message or Call

We all get unwanted calls, emails, or texts at home or work. Sometimes, they’re just spam trying to sell something. Other times (often these days), they try to trick you into giving away personal information by pretending to be from a trusted source, asking you to click a link, download a file, or share important details. Scams through these three sources are becoming easier to detect, and this is why scammers are finding new methods to steal your personal information. Even though you might come across these scams, the tricks that are used by the fraudsters and their goals for scamming common citizens are very similar to one another.

In this article, we will learn how to spot and avoid such scams, keep reading!

What are Email, Text Messages, or Call Scams?

Email, text, and phone call scams are attempts that are made by scammers to trick people into giving away personal information or money. These are called phishing (emails), smishing (text messages), and vishing (phone calls). Here’s more information about such scams:

• Phishing

Here, scammers may send fake emails to their victims, making it look like they’re from real companies. These emails usually include links to fraud and extremely unsafe websites.

• Smishing

In fake SMS scams, scammers send fraudulent text messages to their victims that seem urgent and appear to come from real companies. These messages also often include links to scam websites and misinformation regarding a lottery or prize win.

• Vishing

Here, scammers make fake phone calls or voicemails pretending to be from legitimate organisations to trick people using various methods or try to put them in a situation of panic or excitement.

How to Prevent Ourselves from Email, Text and Call Scams?

We are moving into a world with more technology and new advancements. As technology grows, scammers and fraudsters are also getting better at tricking people. They take advantage of people’s fear, their desire to make easy money or win prizes, or simply their lack of knowledge regarding technology. Let’s learn how to stop these different types of scams to protect ourselves and our loved ones from such scams:

Fraudulent emails, calls and texts usually have various common features. They are usually made to trigger emotions like curiosity, sympathy, fear, and greed.

How do you know if an email, message or call is part of a scam? Let’s see:

• Texts/Emails Asking for Login or Payment Information

Be cautious of emails from unknown senders asking for login or payment information, and be sure to check before entering any data.

• Urgent Action Needed

Calls, emails, or messages demanding quick action with threats of negative outcomes are often phishing, smishing and vishing attempts. Scammers create urgency to make you act without thinking.

• Bad Grammar and Spelling

Phishing emails and messages often have poor grammar and spelling mistakes. Legitimate companies usually have error-free emails and texts.

• Suspicious Attachments

Be aware of emails with attachments, especially with unusual file types (.zip, .exe). Most file sharing now happens through tools like SharePoint or Dropbox.

• Unfamiliar Greetings

Messages, calls or emails from colleagues usually have informal greetings. Formal greetings like “Dear” can be a sign of a phishing attempt.

• Too Good to Be True

Individuals offering rewards or lottery wins for clicking links or opening attachments are often scams. If the sender or calling is unknown, it’s likely a scam. Example – Congratulations! You’ve won our grand prize of a luxury car. Go to [link] to claim now!

• Inconsistent Email Addresses and Links

Check if the email address and links match the supposed sender. Hover over the links to see where they lead. If they don’t match, it’s likely phishing.

• Requests for Passwords

Reputable companies will not ask for your password or bank PIN over the phone or by email. If you need to reset your password, they will provide a secure link. If you are asked to share your password or confidential details, it’s likely a scam.

• Evasive Answers

If you ask questions or request to speak to a supervisor, scammers might avoid answering directly or try to make you feel guilty for asking.

• Fake Caller IDs

Scammers can hide their caller IDs or mimic genuine company numbers, making it hard to distinguish them from legitimate calls. Fake Caller IDs are a Sign.

• Pretending to be An Authoritative Person

If a message or call says it’s from someone official, like a bank, doctor, or government office, make sure to check if it really is from a person of authority. Criminals often pretend to be important to fool people.

• Emotional Scams

Strangers may try to exploit your kindness. They tell sad stories to convince you to give them money. Always be cautious of requests for money and verify stories before giving any funds.

How to Avoid a Scam?

Here’s how you can avoid calls, messages or email scams:

• Verify Before Clicking: Don’t click links if you get an email or text that seems real. Instead, contact the company through a trusted website or phone number.
• Don’t Rush: Scammers pressure you to act fast. Legit businesses give you time to decide.
• Guard Your Personal Information: Don’t give out your Aadhaar or PAN Card number, bank details, or credit and debit card information to random people, even in situations where the person may try to rush you or frighten you.
• Be Aware of Payment Requests: Avoid paying with cryptocurrency, wire transfers, payment apps, or gift cards. Never deposit a check and send money back.
• Stop and Talk to Someone You Trust: Before doing anything, talk to a friend, family member, or neighbour about the situation to get their perspective.
• Block Unwanted Calls and Messages: Take steps to block unwanted or unknown callers, filter out texts you don’t want, and delete the ones you believe to be fraud.

Conclusion

Phishing, Smishing, and Vishing scams have become extremely common sources of cyber attacks and fraud activities. You can easily spot them by being cautious and learning how to stay safe. So, watch out for strange senders, links in texts, and requests for your personal or banking information through calls or texts. Lastly, make sure that you educate yourself and your family regarding such scams so that you can avoid getting into any unexpected situations or experiencing loss of money or important data.

Stay safe, and stay vigilant!

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