Internet scams are continually evolving and fraudsters around the world are likely targeting a computer or mobile device near you. Don’t become a statistic and brush up on your knowledge to keep your information safe. Below is some information on a popular scam known as spoofing:
What is website spoofing?
Website spoofing, occurs when a scammer creates a fraudulent website, mimicking legitimate website with the goal of stealing your personal and/or financial information.
A fraudulent (spoofed) can be difficult to spot as it will have the same look and feel of the legitimate website. If you interact with a spoofed site, you run the risk of compromising your personal information. It’s important to review the tactics used for the scams and how you can avoid them:
How does it work?
Scammers will register a domain name that is fairly similar to the business’ legitimate domain name and host a website that looks very similar to the actual website, including logos, colors and imagery.
You may be directed to these spoofed sites by phishing emails, text messages, or even search engine results. Be on the lookout for domain names with extra letters, misspellings. It can be as simple as https://www.beaconcu1.org instead of the legitimate URL of https://www.beaconcu.org/.
Once you enter the spoofed site, all your information you entered may be tracked and used for fraud purposes. The spoofed site could also be programmed to put malware on your computer, which could give them access to any information held on your computer.
Ways to protect yourself
- Don’t click on links in an unsolicited email or text message.
- Always confirm phone numbers provided to you by looking the company’s phone number on your own.
- Don’t give out personal information such as passwords, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, dates of birth, or Social Security numbers.
- If you receive a phishing email or text, do not respond, just delete.
- Do be suspicious of anyone pressing you to act immediately