We would be sharing 5 ways to identify phishing scams with ease. It’s important to know how to identify phishing scams because the rate of cyber crimes is unfortunately still on the rise. Identifying phishing scams for most people is a difficult task to do.
These scams often come in subtle links which most times redirect to no particular website and although these links can easily be identified, it is often overlooked especially if the context in which it arrived in happens to be an attractive venture or a juicy offer which you can’t turn a blind eye to.
In this article, we would be sharing everything on how to identify phishing scams from a distance so you can steer clear from it.
What are Phishing Scams?
Phishing scams are simply deceptive attempts to trick individuals into revealing personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, by masquerading as trustworthy entities. But how can you identify phishing scams from a distance?
These scams often come in the form of subtle links that may redirect to malicious websites. While these links can be identified because these phishing links are just so obvious because the offers in which they come in are too good to be true.
For example, here are some exciting offers that can show how you can identify phishing scams from a mile away:
President ABC is sharing #50,000 to Nigerian Youths, click to register.
XYZ Organization is donating #70,000 worth of relief materials. Click to see if your name is present.
Now these examples presented above has been used so many times and people still fall for it. Not to say that genuine ones do exist but these fraudsters have devised a way to mimick those genuine ones and recognizing that it is a scam can be a daunting effort.
But what happens when you click those links that seem to be phishing scams at the end of the day?
It simply redirects you to a page where you are to input either a gmail address, or your bank account number. One way you can know if it’s genuine or not is that they would ask you to put in a confidential information that others can not usually get access to because there seems to be at the back of our mind a little voice that gives you hope that after inputting your bank account number, a kind hearted samaritan would dump a juicy amount of money directly without you lifting a finger. But hey, life don’t work that way!
Someone might ask, “But they didn’t ask for my personal details, it’s just my gmail account I inputted.”
Now it’s important to note that no one would come with a waving flag to tell you that, “YOH, I AM A SCAMMER AND I AM HUNTING FOR INFORMATION ABOUT YOU. PLEASE KINDLY PUT DOWN YOUR DETAILS TO HELP MY MINISTRY MOVE FORWARD!”
Now, that’s simply outrageous, right? They wouldn’t be called scammers for no reason and no one would be crying over them if they were so harmless!
Ever heard of lost passwords, leaked credit card details? If you’re fond of signing up on such phishing links in the hope of something good and anything nice, then it may be time to consider especially since the phrase, “no let your village people remember you” is commonly used in Nigerian conversations.
But why do people overlook such dangerous phishing scams and click on the link anyways?
- They feed on people’s lust for material things especially messages about making money fast without lifting a finger.
- They feed on vulnerable individuals who are simple-minded about such things.
- They feed on people who are desperate to get anything fast. These people are either in dire need of a job, in need of money or in need of contract fast so these phishing scams are crafted to entice vulnerable folks in order to plant a seed of doubt. That little voice in your head that asks, “what if it’s actually real?”
One would think these scammers studied human psychology but no, they are merely skilled at what they do!
5 Ways to identify Phishing Scams
Here are five ways you can identify phishing scams and protect yourself as you browse the internet:
1. Fake Emails or Messages:
Often, phishing attempts come via email or text messages that look legitimate but are actually from impostors. E.g, the previous example we gave that used the president’s name to claim to offer donations or job offers. Most times however, these phishing scams redirect you to functional websites where you can be further brainwashed and they would always place a bank account number for you to pay in money. Most of the popular ones are from reputable job opportunities or skill acquisition training that require you to sign up and register with a small token.
2. Urgent Language:
Scammers often create a sense of urgency, prompting you to act quickly without thinking. and this often happen by them offering to give you a huge unimmaginable sum of money that will expire if you don’t act quickly. pls, before you act, calculate. if it is too good to be true, it’s a scam.
3. Suspicious Links:
These messages may contain links that lead to fake websites designed to steal your information. always check the URL to ensure it matches the original URL of the main website you want to go to. a tipical example is, app.kuda.com which is the original Kuda bank app, Scammers might trick you with an exact clone of Kuda bank login details to steal your login.. so ensure the url stays the same.
scammers might use a link like kudabank.mftk.com …this is not Kuda bank website but has Kuda bank in the url.. this is what scammers use, so ensure you are checking for exact url before inputing your details.
4. Poor Grammar and Spelling:
Many phishing messages contain errors that can be a red flag.
Another way that phishing scams find their way to you is through reputable sources such as banks, online services, educational platforms or even friends. The goal is to deceive you into providing sensitive information knowing that if such information comes from a reputable source, you are more likely to believe it and not investigate thoroughly.
These arrive from the popular “share to five groups” These scams often request you to share to five groups on whatsapp inorder to get “the juicy #50,000” and when you do, they ask you to input your account number and wait for your money.
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What Form Do These Phishing Scams Come In?
Here are some of the popular mediums through which you can use to identify phishing scams from a distance:
Email Phishing: The most common type, where attackers send emails that appear to be from legitimate companies.
Spear Phishing: Targeted attacks aimed at specific individuals or organizations, often using personal information to make the message more convincing.
Whaling: A type of spear phishing that targets high-profile individuals, such as executives or important figures within a company.
SMS Phishing (Smishing): Phishing attempts that occur via text messages, often containing links to malicious sites.
Voice Phishing (Vishing): Scammers use phone calls to trick individuals into providing personal information.
Why do People Still Fall Prey?
Trusting Nature:Many individuals are naturally trusting and may not suspect malicious intent.
Lack of Awareness: Not everyone is aware of the tactics used by scammers, making them more vulnerable.
Emotional Manipulation: Scammers often exploit emotions, such as fear or excitement, to prompt quick action.
Greed: People are always moved when they feel they are ripping you off. so once they see big figures and someone promising to give it to them for free, they often fall prey.
Also read: How to Set Up Multiple WhatsApp Accounts for iPhones – New Whatsapp Update for iPhone Users
How to Avoid Falling Prey to Phishing Scams
Verify the Source: Always check the sender’s email address or phone number. If it looks suspicious, do not engage.
Hover Over Links: Before clicking, hover over links to see the actual URL. If it looks strange, don’t click it.
Look for Red Flags: Be cautious of poor grammar, spelling mistakes, and generic greetings.
Use Security Software: Employ antivirus and anti-phishing software to help detect and block threats.
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest phishing tactics and scams to recognize them more easily.
Ignore posts that seem almost too good to be true especially those that promise you huge returns for doing nothing at all and listen to your gut feeling-it’s usually right 60% of the time.
Safety Measures to Take to Protect your Data
Be Wary of Unsolicited Communications: Always be cautious of emails, texts, or calls that ask for personal information. Legitimate organizations typically do not request sensitive information in this manner.
Check the Sender’s Information: Verify the sender’s email address or phone number. Phishers often use addresses that look similar to legitimate ones but may have slight variations. If in doubt, contact the organization directly using official contact information.
Hover Over Links Before Clicking: Before clicking on any link, hover your mouse over it to see the actual URL. If the link looks suspicious or does not match the expected website, do not click it.
Look for Red Flags: Be alert for poor grammar, spelling mistakes, or generic greetings in messages, as these can indicate phishing attempts. Phishing messages often create a sense of urgency, prompting you to act quickly without thinking.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):Use 2FA on your accounts whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for phishers to gain access even if they obtain your password.
Use a secure browser: Most browsers like google chrome provides certain features that trigger a protective mechanism and warns you that the website you are about to click on is suspicious. Stay away from sites these browsers warn you about and make sure to double check every link to be sure it’s genuine.
Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the latest phishing tactics and share this knowledge with friends and family. Understanding how phishing works can help you recognize and avoid potential threats.
Regularly Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your bank and online accounts for any unauthorized transactions or changes. Report any suspicious activity immediately.
Remember, nothing good comes easy and always take precautionary measures before clicking on suspicious links. After reading this and learning how to identify phishing scams from a distance, share with your friends too.
