Phishing, "Spoofing", SEO Scams and More.
We've all fallen for it.
What? My "account is on hold"?
"We’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts on your account..."
"Log in now and update your credit card information!"
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers.
Scams through your WIX website!
EVEN THROUGH YOUR WEBSITE.
If you are a WIX WEBSITE owner there are few scams to be aware of, that come in through your contact inbox or email:
• SEO OFFERS/SPECIAL SERVICES THROUGH YOUR INBOX OR CHAT:
"Your website looks good but has some serious bugs in the code that make it difficult to find in Google. Below I am sending you a report in which you will find a list of the most important errors in the website code, after the correction of which your website will be re-indexed in Google and will reach significantly higher positions in the search engine in a short time."
• WIX ACCOUNT "SUSPENSIONS" THAT COMES TO YOUR EMAIL:
"PHISHING EMAIL “spoofing” fake email from wix claimed that my hosting was been suspended and that I need to renew my subscription. Login is fake window! "
Fake Login that looks like WIX:
Instead: Go to the company website and log in with your user name and password. Do not use links!
• SCAM CUSTOMERS THROUGH YOUR WIX INBOX:
Customers or businesses who will NOT fill out your contact form COMPLETELY (so you can't figure out they are outside the USA, or where they are in general.)
Who may even put in a FAKE address.
TIP: Try putting any suspicious looking business addresses in Google Maps or Google, and if it's a real business it *should have a business listing, social media profiles or in general there should be search results that come up.
TIP: Same with suspicious looking personal addresses. If it brings up an abandoned building or a shoe store, that's an obvious red flag. Are you expecting customers from Texas or California? Or India for that matter?! State you service local areas only, if that's your preference.
Watch For: They may give a long description of their service order request, mentioning a large budget but can "only pay by check" (which will bounce if you deposit.)
If a customer will NOT give you a name and address, or is unwilling to use your invoicing, these are a huge red flags that it is spam.
REPORT, BLOCK, DELETE FROM YOUR CONTACTS.
Other types of scams: (emails, texts, phone calls)
1. Scammers PRETEND to be from an organization you know. ( the government, IRS, Utility company, charity)
2. Scammers say there’s a PROBLEM or a PRIZE. ( you’re in trouble or you “won” money)
3. Scammers PRESSURE you to act immediately. ( So you can’t do any background research.)
4. Scammers tell you to PAY in a specific way. ( wiring money, gift card, crypto,…and they may pay you with a fake check.)
Report fraud to https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/
Don’t give your personal or financial information in response to a request that you didn’t expect. Always go to the website source yourself and sign in, but don't use their link.
• Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment.
• You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company.
• Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might
say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real
The email has a generic greeting.
The email says your account is on hold because of a billing problem.
The email invites you to click on a link to update your payment details.
Information Tips Courtesy of: FTC.org
Other scams small businesses have encountered:
Report phishing email to: reportphishing@apwg.org.
Report Text SPAM (7726)
To report identity theft, contact: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at IdentityTheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338. The three major credit reporting agencies.
I understand some of this information is well known to many. But for "newbies", the world of technology can be an overwhelming place, not only to grasp the online processes of using a computer, having a website, online business etc....but also being aware of security and possible threats.
Contact Sarah for more tips and help. www.sarahbrycedesigns.com
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