How to Identify Phishing Emails & Scam Calls

The world is different than it was when we were kids. We knew nothing about online safety back then… because it didn’t exist! And while the digital age has many benefits, there are also some drawbacks. Unfortunately, scam calls and phishing emails have become increasingly prevalent, and they love to target older adults. But fear not! There are ways to safeguard yourself from being scammed. In this article, we will guide you on how to identify scam calls and emails so that you can protect your personal information.

Understanding Scam Calls and Emails

Scam calls and emails are deceitful attempts to exploit your personal information and financial resources. Scammers employ various tactics to gain your trust and deceive you into divulging sensitive details. Some common scams include fake lottery winnings, tech support fraud, and Medicare scams. It’s important to understand that anyone can be targeted, regardless of age, but older adults tend to fall for the traps more often.

How to Identify Scam Calls

Sometimes they’re hard to detect, but most scammers display similar warning signs you can watch out for. Here are a few red flags:

Caller ID Spoofing and Unknown Numbers: Scammers often manipulate their caller ID to make it seem more legitimate. Always be cautious of unknown numbers, especially if they claim to be from government agencies or financial institutions.

Urgency and High-Pressure Tactics: If the person on the phone presses you to act immediately on anything significant (especially anything financial), they’re probably trying to scam you. They may claim that you owe money or have won a prize that needs immediate payment. Legitimate organizations won’t rush you into making hasty decisions.

Request for Sensitive Information or Payment: Be wary of anyone asking for personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank account details, or passwords. Legitimate organizations will never call you to ask for such information out of the blue. 

To further protect yourself, consider using call-blocking tools or caller ID apps that can help filter out unwanted calls.

How to Identify Phishing Emails

“You’ve won! Click here for your prize!” …But did you enter a contest? Do you recognize the email address?

Phishing emails are another standard technique scammers use to deceive people of all ages. Here’s how to spot them:

Suspicious Email Addresses or Domain Names: Pay attention to the sender’s email address. If it looks unfamiliar or suspicious, be cautious. Also check the domain name of the email, as scammers often try to mimic legitimate organizations. They may even use an uppercase “i” in place of a lowercase “L,” like “paypaI.com” instead of “paypal.com.”

Poor Grammar, Spelling Errors, or Generic Greetings: Phishing emails often contain grammatical mistakes, misspelled words, or generic greetings like “Dear Sir/Madam.” Legitimate emails from reputable organizations are usually well-written and personalized. (But don’t assume it’s real just because it’s personalized – scammers can be crafty.)

Requests for Personal Information or Financial Details: Never share personal or financial details through email unless you are confident it is a secure and trusted source. Most organizations will not request sensitive information via email. Instead, they’ll have you log in and submit information through a secure portal.

Remember to scrutinize clickable links and attachments before interacting with them, as they can often lead to fraudulent websites or malware. If you’re in doubt, look up the organization’s phone number or email address separately, and contact them directly to ask if the email is legitimate.

Protecting Yourself from Scammers

Now that you know how to identify scam calls and phishing emails, let’s explore ways to protect yourself:

Be Skeptical and Cautious: Trust your instincts and be skeptical of any unsolicited requests for personal information or payment. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Regularly Update Passwords: Create strong and unique passwords for your online accounts, and update them regularly. Avoid using easily guessable passwords like birthdays or family names.

Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links or Downloading Unknown Attachments: Hover over links to verify their destination before clicking on them. If you receive an unexpected attachment, verify its legitimacy before opening it.

Install Reputable Security Software: Ensure the safety of your devices by installing trustworthy antivirus software and regularly updating it. This will help detect and prevent malware or phishing attempts.

Reporting Scams & Phishers

If you encounter a scam, whether it’s through a phone call, text, or email, you should always report it. By reporting scams, you can help authorities take action against scammers and protect others from falling victim. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is an excellent resource for reporting scams. Visit their reporting website or call their dedicated helpline to submit a complaint.

Roland Park Place is Focused on Safety

Now that you know how to protect yourself, you should share your knowledge with friends and family to keep them safe as well.

If you or a loved one are looking for a safe and vibrant community that prioritizes senior well-being, look no further than Roland Park Place. Our dedicated team is committed to creating a secure environment where seniors can thrive and enjoy their golden years. Contact us today to learn more about our Baltimore senior community.