At North Shore Trust and Savings and Oak Leaf Community Mortgage, we prioritize your online security. Phishing scams are on the rise, and knowing how to identify them is crucial to protecting your personal information. Phishing scams often appear to be from trusted sources like your bank, but there are several red flags that can help you spot these fraud attempts. Here are the top five red flags of phishing scams—and what to do if you notice them.
1. Urgent or Threatening Language
Phishing emails and texts often create a sense of urgency or fear to make you act quickly without thinking. Messages that say things like “Your account will be suspended!” or “Immediate action required!” are designed to panic you into providing sensitive information.
WHAT TO DO:
Always pause before reacting. Legitimate companies, especially banks, will never pressure you with threats or demand immediate action. If you’re concerned, contact your bank using official contact details—never the information provided in the suspicious message.
2. Suspicious Links
One of the most common tactics in phishing scams is including a link to a fake website that looks almost identical to a real one. These websites are designed to trick you into entering personal information, like passwords or account numbers. However, a close inspection of the link often reveals a strange or misspelled URL.
WHAT TO DO:
Hover over the link without clicking on it to preview the URL. If it looks unfamiliar, has odd characters, or isn’t directly related to the company, don’t click it. Always go directly to the company’s official website by typing the URL into your browser.
3. Requests for Personal Information
Legitimate businesses, especially banks, will never ask for sensitive information like your password, Social Security number, or PIN via email or text message. If a message asks for this information, it’s almost certainly a scam.
WHAT TO DO:
If you receive an email or text asking for personal information, delete it immediately. Never respond or provide the requested information. If you’re ever in doubt, call your bank or visit their official website to confirm if any action is required.
4. Unfamiliar Sender Email Address
Phishing emails may appear to come from legitimate sources, but a closer look at the sender’s email address often reveals that something’s off. Phishers may use slightly altered domain names or add extra characters to make the email look real.
WHAT TO DO:
Always check the sender’s email address. If the address looks strange or doesn’t match the company’s official domain, it’s likely a phishing attempt. Be cautious with emails from unknown or suspicious addresses, and don’t open attachments or click links.
5. Generic Greetings
Many phishing emails start with vague greetings like “Dear Customer” or “Dear User” rather than addressing you by name. Legitimate companies usually address you personally in emails, using the name on your account.
WHAT TO DO:
If you receive an email with a generic greeting, it’s a red flag. While some automated emails may use generic greetings, be extra cautious if the email also asks for personal information or contains other phishing red flags.
What To Do If You Spot These Red Flags
If you notice any of these phishing red flags in an email, text, or phone call, take immediate steps to protect yourself:
- Don’t click on any links, open attachments, or respond to the message.
- Report the phishing attempt to the company that’s being impersonated. Most companies have fraud departments that will take action to investigate.
- Delete the suspicious email or text. If it’s a phone call, hang up immediately.
At North Shore Trust and Savings and Oak Leaf Community Mortgage, your security is our top priority. By being aware of these red flags and staying cautious, you can avoid falling victim to phishing scams. For more information on how to protect yourself, visit the ABA’s Banks Never Ask That website, where you’ll find even more tips and resources.
Stay Safe and Contact Us
If you ever receive suspicious emails, texts, or phone calls claiming to be from North Shore Trust and Savings or Oak Leaf Community Mortgage, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you stay safe and protect your personal information.
Stay vigilant—phishing scams can happen to anyone, but knowing the red flags can keep you one step ahead of the scammers!
