Is this email legitimate?
Real
Scam
Can You Spot the Scam?
Scam
At first glance, this email may appear legitimate. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice a number of red flags, including:
Your name isn’t in the greeting
This directs individuals to a phishing webpage, designed to mimic the legitimate company, so scammers can steal your credit card details and account credentials.
Any company you’re actively doing business with would have this on file and would typically include it in the communications to you.
Notice how the url is not easily recognizable or typical of the company to use.
The url accompanying “Netflix” in the from address
The “Update Payment” button URL
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You got it!
Not quite!
You got it!
Not quite!
Is this pop-up the real deal?
Real
Fraud
Can You Spot the Scam?
Tech support scams were the most popular scams in 2020, according to Javelin's 2021 Identity Fraud Study, comprising 22% of consumers who fell victim to scams that year. Whether by pop-up warnings, phone calls, or online ads/search results, scammers will try to trick you into paying for services you don’t need or fixing a problem that doesn’t exist, all with the same goal of causing you harm (i.e., stealing your PII, accessing sensitive accounts, or even taking over your device).
If a problem with your device does exist, call the company directly using the number you find on their secured website, as scammers will claim they’re from a familiar company to lure you into a false sense of security. If you see any random messages or solicitations requiring remote access into your device, remember to do your due diligence to help ensure the solicitation is legitimate.
Click to expand
Fraud
Yep!
Nope!
Is this a real offer?
Real
Fake
Can You Spot the Scam?
Sometimes, these “too good to be true” offers are exactly that.
This offer from Elon Musk claiming to double all cryptocurrency payments is too good to be true. Another red flag is the urgent nature of the offer. Scammers want to create a sense of panic/urgency to prevent you from taking the necessary time to think before acting. Whether its cryptocurrency or purchasing something on social media, make sure you know exactly who you’re doing business with. So before making that Instagram purchase, take a moment to check out the company/individual by typing the name into your browser with words like “scam” or “complaint.” Be sure to also review your social media privacy settings and limit what you share online, as scammers will use that information to lure you into trusting them and making a hasty mistake
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Fake
Good eye!
Let's take a closer look
Is this voicemail legitimate?
Definitely Real!
Absolutely Fake!
Can You Spot the Scam?
Coming in at the #3 spot for most popular scams in 2020, imposter scams continue to be an effective way for fraudsters to dupe you into divulging your sensitive PII like your Social Security number. Remember, neither the government nor your financial institution will ever call you demanding sensitive information. When the IRS needs to contact you, the first communication is typically delivered via the U.S. Postal Service. The IRS does not normally initiate contact with taxpayers by email, nor does it send text messages or communications via social media. It’s always recommended to contact the IRS directly to confirm the legitimacy of any communication.
Click to play audio
Absolutely Fake
Spot on!
Take another listen
Are these text messages legitimate?
100%
No Way
Can You Spot the Scam?
We have to be honest. This was a trick question.
While the text messages are real, they were triggered by scammers attempting to hack into one of our employees’ online AT&T accounts. Scammers will often send fake text messages attempting to trick you into giving them your sensitive PII. Oftentimes, they’ll even save the information to later sell on the dark web to other scammers. Scam messages can include promises of free prizes or giveaways, low interest credit cards, fake package delivery notifications, and claims of problems with your payment information. The messages will often include a link to learn more about the issue. But reader beware, as these smishing scams may install malware on your device or route you to a phishing website to then steal your account credentials.
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No Way
Great job!
Almost!
