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Have you ever been the victim of identity theft? If so, you are already aware of how devastating of an experience this can be. Not only have your personal details been violated, but it is virtually impossible to tell how this information may be used by nefarious third parties.
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Phishing campaigns are now serious online threats, and millions of consumers are currently at risk. One of the most common strategies used by hackers involves false SMS messages that encourage users to provide private data. How can you tell if an SMS is valid, or if it has been sent by an unauthorised entity? Let’s examine some sure-fire ways to keep your details safe.
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Consider the Sender
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Let us assume that you are an active member of a reputable online casino such as Royal Vegas, and you receive a message titled “experience the thrill of online roulette followed by a one-time bonus code. In this case, you know the brand. You are aware of the security protocols that they have put in place, and their rewards programmes. Even if you have any doubts, it is always possible to contact support to verify that the message is valid.
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However, there can be other times when an SMS message appears from an unknown source. If you are unaware of the company, it should be immediately treated as suspicious. This could be a phishing attempt. Do not reply.
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Suspicious Messages
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Another hallmark of many phishing campaigns involves statements that seem too good to be true. Here are some relevant examples:
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- Congratulations! You are the big winner!
- Reply to this SMS to receive €5,000 euros within seconds.
- A message alerting you to the delivery of a valuable package, even if you have not placed any order
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Other messages may even take on disturbing undertones. These can include sudden family emergencies that seem highly unlikely, or warnings that your bank account has been frozen. In these cases, it is best to err on the side of caution.
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Spelling and/or Grammar Errors
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SMS phishing sometimes involves foreign companies that have gained access to a “data dump”. In other words, they have somehow acquired the details of a large number of consumers.
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Those who send messages may not be overly familiar with the English language, so be on the lookout for spelling or grammar mistakes. Note that these could also appear if the messages are generated by an automated algorithm. Real companies take customer relations seriously, and they would never make such egregious errors.
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The bottom line is that remaining vigilant is the best way to avoid phishing scams. Update your security software when prompted.
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Create strong passwords, activate two-factor authentication (2FA), and use a VPN when accessing a public wireless connection. An ounce of prevention will keep your details from prying eyes, and you can also rest easy with the knowledge that nothing is left to chance.
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