Tips to Avoid Phishing Email Scams - Money Tip Tuesday

In an era where technology is intertwined with our daily lives, fraudsters are continually devising new strategies to steal sensitive information from unsuspecting individuals. Among their most insidious tactics is phishing—a deceptive practice designed to manipulate you into divulging your personal information without your awareness. 

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Transcript:

Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday, brought to you by the Making Money Personal podcast! 

 Today, we’re sharing crucial insights inspired by an article from KnowBe4 Security Awareness and Training Solutions. 

Security Tips: How to Detect Phishing Emails 

As phishing activities increasingly proliferate, remaining vigilant is of paramount importance. Here are some key indicators to scrutinize before you take any action on an email: 

1. Is it Expected? - Take a moment to consider whether you were anticipating this email. If it appeared unexpectedly, exercise caution as it may not be legitimate. 
2. Is it Reasonable? - Context matters. Ask yourself whether it makes sense for you to receive this type of correspondence. If the content feels out of place or irrelevant, it’s wise to be skeptical.
3. Are There Grammatical Errors? - Pay close attention to the language used in the email. Messages that claim to be from established companies often contain spelling mistakes or poor grammar—this is frequently a clear warning sign of a phishing attempt.
4. Does It Contain a Link? - Always hover your mouse over links without clicking to verify their authenticity. For example, if an email claims to be from [e-mail] but the link leads to a suspicious domain like website.yahoo.com, you’re facing a significant red flag.
5. Does It Have an Attachment? - Be cautious about opening attachments, as they might harbor malicious programs disguised as harmless files. It’s best to avoid clicking on attachments from unfamiliar sources.
6. Does It Create a Sense of Urgency? - A common tactic among phishing emails is to instill a sense of panic, prompting you to act quickly. They may claim to be from a high-ranking official or require immediate attention. Resist the urge to respond hastily—take a moment to assess and critically evaluate the situation to protect yourself from potential phishing attempts. 

Stay vigilant and take proactive steps to safeguard your personal information! 

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Thanks for listening to today's Money Tip Tuesday. Check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.