Phishing is a scam in which somebody sends legitimate looking, usually urgent-sounding phone calls, emails, or texts.  They are often trying to obtain personal and financial information. Here are four ways to help you avoid being tricked.

• Do not respond to unsolicited phone calls, texts, or emails, and don’t click on any links or attachments form unsolicited sources.
• If you have any doubts, directly contact the person or organization via a phone number or email address that you know to be direct (don’t use the one contained the phone call, text, or email).
• Avoid fraudulent websites by using a trusted bookmark, shortcut, or typing out the complete URL in your browser.
• Never share your passwords, personal information, or authentication codes.

Some examples of scams that we’ve heard of personally and professionally are:

• Texts prompting you to confirm a fraudulent charge from your banking institution.
• Phone calls spoofing local police departments claiming that you’re subject to bench warrants for failing to appear for jury duty.
• Phone calls claiming that your energy bill is past due and will be shut off immediately.
• Google Voice related scams.
• Texts requesting redelivery fees.
• Emails with attachments labeled HUD or CD with no context.
• Mortgage wire fraud.

What should you do?

Check out the FTC’s How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams to educate yourself on how to recognize potential phishing bait, common hacker tricks, and more.  The more you know, the better chance you’ll have to recognize and prevent yourself from becoming a victim of a phishing attack.