Everyone likes to believe they’re smart enough not to fall for scams. We all think, “I know better than to click on a suspicious link or respond to an email from a Nigerian prince.” Yet, despite all that confidence, thousands of people still get caught by increasingly clever schemes. That’s because today’s scammers are more cunning than ever, using subtle emotionally manipulative tactics to get us to click a link, send a wire transfer, or reveal personal information.
As cybersecurity awareness month rolls around, it’s a reminder that businesses and individuals must stay vigilant against all forms of scams. Now is the perfect time to learn how to spot and avoid scams before they wreak havoc on your data and finances.
What is a scam?
A scam is any fraudulent attempt to deceive you into giving away something valuable, usually money, personal information, or access to sensitive data. It can come in many forms: emails, phone calls, fake websites, or even text messages. Scams are designed to manipulate anyone — no matter how smart you are — by pushing emotional buttons like fear, greed, urgency, or even sympathy. Scammers can use anything from a fake job offer to a charity donation request as bait. And with the rise of technology, scammers are now able to reach more people at a faster rate.
What are the common signs of a scam?
To avoid being a victim of a scam, it’s important to know how to spot the warning signs. Here are some telltale signs that can help you identify a possible scam:
Opportunities that seem too good to be true
Scammers often lure victims with enticing offers. Whether it’s an unbelievable discount offer, a lottery win, or an investment that promises huge returns, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. These fake opportunities often require you to provide personal information or send money upfront, which should be an immediate red flag.
Urgent calls for help
You may receive a frantic message from someone claiming to be a friend, family member, or colleague in urgent need of financial assistance — maybe they’ve lost their wallet abroad, or they’ve been hospitalized. While your first instinct may be to lend a helping hand, scammers exploit kindness, knowing it often leads to hasty, unverified actions.
Unsolicited emails containing links and attachments
One of the most common ways scammers get access to your system is through phishing emails or texts that contain malicious links or attachments. If you were to click on the link or download the attachment, it could install malware on your device or direct you to a fake website designed to trick you into giving away sensitive information. Always exercise caution with unsolicited emails, even if they seem to come from a trustworthy source.
Messages that pressure you to act quickly
Scammers will try to persuade you to act swiftly or risk missing out on a deal or facing a major consequence. It might be a fake IRS agent demanding payment or an “urgent” business offer expiring in a few hours. Scammers may even try to convince you that something is wrong with your existing account and that you need to provide your login credentials immediately.
If you feel rushed, slow down. Scammers know that creating a sense of urgency is an effective way to catch people off guard. Legitimate organizations will never ask you to provide sensitive information and pressure you into making quick decisions over the phone or email.
Unusual payment methods
Whether it’s a request to pay via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, scammers often prefer untraceable methods of payment. If you’re asked to pay in a specific and unusual way, it’s likely a scam. No reputable business will ask for payment in such forms.
What should you do?
If you come across any of these signs, don’t panic. Here’s what you can do to stay safe:
- Stop: Take a moment to breathe and don’t let the sense of urgency or fear influence your decisions. Most scams lose their effectiveness when you think logically and act cautiously.
- Verify: Double-check the legitimacy of the message or request. If it’s supposedly from a colleague, client, or friend, contact them through a verified method to confirm their story. If it’s a company reaching out, call the official phone number listed on their website, not the one in the suspicious email.
- Contact Your MSP: If you’re unsure if something is a scam, reach out to your managed IT services provider (MSP). For businesses in Hawaii, Tech Partners Hawaii is your trusted resource. They can help you identify threats, mitigate risks, and provide the cybersecurity expertise needed to protect your company.
Tech Partners Hawaii offers proven cybersecurity, anti-phishing strategies, and support to minimize the risk of scams. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, take action to safeguard your data and assets from scammers and call us today.