Recognizing Warning Signs
Keep an eye out for these common signs of a wire fraud attempt:
- Unexpected Urgency: Messages with a sense of urgency or requiring "immediate action" are common in these scams.
- Last Minute Requests for Payment Changes: Be suspicious of sudden changes to payment instructions or requests for personal information.
- Email Anomalies: Watch for email addresses that look almost correct but have small, subtle differences.
How to Protect Yourself
1. Verify Requests: Always confirm payment instructions directly with the sender using a known phone number. Do not respond directly to suspicious emails.
2. Use Strong Security Measures: Activate two-factor authentication on your email accounts and keep all software up to date.
3. Double-Check Sender Information: Hover over links in emails to confirm the URL and carefully review the sender’s email address, paying attention to small differences.
4. Stay Cautious: Treat unexpected messages from unknown sources with caution. Don’t click on unknown links or open attachments unless you’re confident about the sender.
5. Practice Good Cyber Hygiene: Routinely back up important emails and documents, and be mindful of the permissions you grant to apps.