During the holiday season we see an increase in holiday advertising designed to draw us into the best holiday shopping deals. However, it is also a time when scammers are increasing their efforts to gain access to your personal information using holiday ads and verbiage that might appear to come from familiar sources. In an era when cyber threats are on the rise, your awareness and proactive measures play a crucial role in ensuring a secure online experience. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true than it probably is.
Here are some common scams and phishing attempts to identify:
- Amazon Phishing Scams
- Fraudulent Shipping Notifications
- Flight Confirmation Scams
- Travel-Related Cyber Scams
- Charity Scams
- Gift Carding Scams
- Shopping Scams
Tips & Tricks for Recognizing Phishing Attempts:
Check the Sender’s Email Address:
Verify the authenticity of the sender by carefully examining the email address. Be cautious if the domain or the sender’s name seems suspicious or unfamiliar.
Look for Generic Greetings:
Legitimate organizations usually address you by your full name. Be wary of emails starting with generic greetings like “Dear Customer” or “Dear User.”
Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links:
Hover over links before clicking to preview the URL. If the link seems unrelated to the email content or is misspelled, it may be a phishing attempt.
Protecting Your Personal Information:
Never Share Sensitive Information via Email:
Legitimate organizations will not ask for sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, or social security numbers via email or phone. Avoid sharing such information through email and/or phone.
Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
Enable 2FA whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts and makes it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to gain access.
Verify Unexpected Requests:
If you receive an unexpected request for sensitive information or a financial transaction, verify its legitimacy by contacting the organization directly using trusted contact details, not those provided in the suspicious message.
Staying Informed:
Regularly Update Your Security Software. Ensure that your antivirus and anti-malware software is up to date. Regular updates provide protection against the latest phishing techniques and malware.
Participate in Phishing Awareness Training:
Familiarize yourself with common phishing tactics through training programs. Recognizing the signs of a phishing attempt is a powerful defense against cyber threats.
Reporting Suspicious Activity:
If you ever encounter a suspicious email claiming to be from our organization, please report it to our customer security team at [email protected]. Your vigilance helps us maintain a secure environment for all our customers.
Your security is our top priority at Great Plains Communications. By following these tips, you can keep you and your loved ones protected! If you have concerns or questions about your account security, contact our customer support team at 888.343.8014.