As Halloween approaches, it’s not just creepy creatures and spooky costumes we need to watch out for. There are digital monsters lurking in your inbox, too!

Phishing scams continue to be on the rise, and they’re more terrifying than any ghost or goblin. These malicious attacks prey on unsuspecting victims, tricking them into revealing sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or even personal details. Here’s how you can avoid getting caught in a phisher’s web:

🕸️ Strange Email Addresses

• If an email seems to be from a well-known company or individual but the address looks suspicious (like a jumble of letters or a weird domain), that’s a sign something is off.
• Always double-check the sender’s email address to confirm it’s legitimate.

🧛‍♂️Urgent and Scary Warnings

• Phishing emails often try to create a sense of urgency, like claiming your account has been compromised or that you need to act immediately to avoid some frightening consequence.
• If something seems too urgent to be true, pause and think twice before clicking.

🎃 Trick or Treat? Fake Links

• Hover over any link in an email before you click. Does the URL look familiar?
• Phishers often use deceptive links that appear to lead to legitimate websites but direct you to malicious ones.
• Always verify the link before clicking.

🕷️ Too Good to Be True Offers

• Beware of emails offering too-good-to-be-true prizes or discounts, especially around the holidays.
• If the email claims you’ve won something, but you didn’t enter any contests, it’s probably a scam trying to steal your information.

👻 Poor Grammar and Spelling

• Many phishing emails are poorly written, with awkward sentences or strange grammar.
• If you notice mistakes in an official-looking email, it could be a sign of a scam.

⚰️ Requests for Personal Information

• Legitimate companies will never ask you to provide personal information (like your Social Security number or password) through email.
• If you receive such a request, don’t fall for it, delete the message immediately.

Don’t let phishing scams give you the chills this Halloween season. With these tips, you’ll be ready to protect yourself from the digital goblins trying to trick you. Stay safe and keep those spooky scammers at bay!

Happy (and Safe) Halloween Season!