The internet has made our lives easier and more convenient in countless ways. It’s also made us more interconnected and therefore accessible – to people we know and people we don’t. There are many different tactics used online every day to take advantage of people and convince them to share personal information or even send money to scammers. This is especially important to us at Viking, because people with debt are easy targets for these schemes. By knowing popular tactics and being vigilant against them, you can help protect yourself and the people you care about from falling prey to these attacks.

Phishing is Fishy – Here’s What You Need to Know

 

Phishing is probably the most popular online scam, with the goal of getting someone to offer up their personal information. Phishing typically takes the form of an email or text message that appears to be from a legitimate source such as an online retailer or bank. Scammers can also set up phishing websites that are designed to look like reputable brands. The goal is to trick people into providing sensitive data such as sign-in details, banking numbers, or credit card information.

New and Evolving Scams to Be Aware Of

 

Internet scams come in many different forms and are constantly evolving and becoming more difficult to catch. Some newer tactics include cryptocurrency, wrong number scams, and fake invoices. Cryptocurrency scams attempt to get people to send money, usually through a fraudulent cause or story. They prey on people’s empathy and relationships with loved ones. Wrong number scams attempt to make contact “accidentally,” claiming the scammer was trying to reach someone else. From there they may attempt to build rapport or even start a relationship with someone, which they can later exploit. Fake invoices are another new trend in online scams. With improvements in email filtering, scammers have adjusted from sending malicious attachments to sending innocuous attachments such as fake invoices or receipts. The fake documents come from valid-looking sources, and they cause recipients to think that they have been charged for a renewal payment or subscription fee. The documents provide a fake customer service number, where recipients can reach scammers via phone to be directed to a malicious URL.

Tips for Being Vigilant Against Online Scams

 

The most important tip for being vigilant is just that: to remain aware and be cautious. Don’t assume you’re too unimportant to be a target. Pay attention to emails – you should be critical of misspellings, unusual grammar, and odd punctuation as well as awkward or non-typical language and phrasing. Beware of messages that play to your emotions or offer too many details and twisted circumstances. Stay on top of device updates and use security packages and software.

The best tip we can offer is to verify information! If you receive a receipt for a service you don’t think you paid for, check your bank account. If you need to contact customer service, find the number online or go directly to the source. Do not click on links, open, or download attachments found in suspicious emails.

 

Viking Client Services is committed to integrity and we are diligent about security and privacy. Our team prides itself on being a trustworthy source for information and advice, which we offer to our community with complete transparency, so that you can protect yourself and those you love most.

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10050 Crosstown Cir.
Suite 300
Eden Prairie, MN 55344

1-800-767-7895
952-944-7575

NMLS# 954098

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