Phishing scams are a type of online fraud in which cybercriminals attempt to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card information, or social security numbers. Here are some tips on how to recognize and avoid phishing scams:
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Be wary of unexpected emails: Phishing emails often come from unknown or unexpected senders. Be suspicious of emails that ask you to click on a link or download an attachment.
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Look for spelling and grammar errors: Many phishing emails contain spelling and grammar errors. Legitimate emails from reputable companies are usually well written and formatted.
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Check the sender's email address: Phishing emails often use a fake email address that looks similar to a legitimate one. Always check the sender's email address and compare it to the legitimate email address of the company or individual.
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Don't click on suspicious links: Phishing emails often contain links that lead to fake websites that look like the real thing. Hover over the link to see the actual URL before clicking on it.
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Verify requests for personal information: Legitimate companies will never ask you to reveal sensitive information such as your login credentials, credit card information, or social security number in an email.
Remember, if something seems suspicious, it's always better to err on the side of caution and not provide any sensitive information. Take a screenshot of the email and send it to cougartechsupport@bartonccc.edu to have any potential threat checked by our IT department.