We talk a lot – OK, a whole lot – about the importance of being able to spot fake calls, texts, and emails.
In this post, we want to talk a bit about why it’s so dangerous. We aren’t trying to scare you, but we do hope that seeing the risks will encourage you to be ever-vigilant.
When a fraudster calls or sends a text or email, they are hoping to get access to your personal information or accounts like your financial accounts, email, computer, or other personal accounts.
If they obtain access to your account(s), this is known as account takeover. A takeover can lead to a variety of actions:
- Modifying your personal information on the account (such as the mailing address, email address, phone number, and where your alerts are sent)
- Changing the password so you can’t get back into the account
- Requesting a new debit or credit card on your account
- Making unauthorized purchases
- Transferring money out of your account(s)
- Moving money between your accounts to trick you into thinking you’ve received money, a portion of which they ask you to send to them
- Stealing your personal information and applying for loans in your name
- Launching additional attacks (such as sending messages through your social media account) to distribute spam or spread malware
Remember, YOU are your best defense. Think before you click, and when in doubt, don’t… Don’t click that link, don’t give out that Secure Access Code, don’t trust that stranger calling unexpectedly.
And finally, ensure you have an anti-virus and anti-malware tools running on your computer and mobile device.
For tips on learning how to spot fakes, check out this blog.
Equal Housing Opportunity Lender