Don’t Be on the Hook of Phishing Scams - It Could Cost You Your Identity

Summary: Phishing scams are becoming increasingly common. It’s essential to know the signs, and how to recover from falling victim. Otherwise, a phishing attack could cause you serious problems. We recommend using an ID theft protection service for the highest level of security against phishing threats.

2017 saw a record rate of growth in phishing sites, with a staggering 1.385 million popping up every month. So just what is phishing?

Here is a good phishing definition: an act of fraud that tricks targets into sharing their sensitive data, such as bank information and personal details. The practice involves setting up fake sites that imitate trusted brands or sending similar phishing emails to target victims directly.

In 2009, the US government arrested 100 criminals who had raked over $1.5M from US accounts using phishing tactics. When security firm, RSA, fell victim to a similar attack, it became clear that even the experts aren’t immune to phishing scams. As most phishing sites replicate popular brands, such as Google (35%), Dropbox (13%) and Paypal (10%), knowing how to stay safe is essential.

How to Avoid Getting Phished

Although phishing is everywhere, there is plenty you can do to reduce your risk of falling victim. Unlike direct breaches, phishing requires you to fall for the trap before you’re in danger.

Here’s how to avoid that happening:

• Learn the Signs

Phishing emails and sites always have flaws. Look for spelling and formatting mistakes, carefully check the logo and read the content thoroughly. If anything seems slightly off, it probably is.

• Stringent Clicking

Casual browsing is an enemy to security. If you only click with purpose, then you’ll minimize the risk of finding yourself on a phishing site.

• Exercise Caution

When conducting business online, extreme caution is essential. Don’t stray from trusted sources, and separate your work and leisure devices to reduce risk.

• Double Check Addresses

Email scams, better know as spear phishing, can expertly mimic trusted content. Check the Email address to authenticate – this also applies to URLs.

• Contact Providers

If you receive a suspicious email from a well-known site like Amazon or Paypal, use their official contact details to confirm validity.

By following these simple rules, you significantly reduce your chance of falling victim. However, as cybercriminals are always expanding their methods, it’s impossible to guarantee safety.

Apply the following tactics to recover from a phishing attack.

What You Can do if You are a Victim of Phishing

Phishing scams can be incredibly destructive. Your best chance to minimize the damage is to stay calm and act fast.

• Change all your passwords

We all regularly repeat log-in information on different accounts, so any breach can cause wide-ranging problems. Change all your passwords quickly to lock thieves out before they can get in!

• Contact Credit Agencies

Immediately contacting all banks and financial institutions will increase your chances of regaining any monetary losses from the phishing site.

• Run a Malware Scan

Some phishing scams download malware onto your computer to farm information. Run an antivirus check-up to flag any threats.

• Identity Theft Protection Service

Invest in an ID theft protection service to monitor your accounts and prevent a repeat attack.

Identity Theft Protection Services Can Help

ID theft protection services are an invaluable investment, as fraud and cybercrime continue to rise. By monitoring your accounts and personal details, they can detect a phishing attack as soon as it happens.

These industry leaders will provide you with instant alerts should you access a phishing site by mistake.

#1 Identity Guard

This well-reviewed service offers thorough monitoring of accounts and web-wide surveillance to ensure timely alerts.

Other benefits include:

• Cybersecurity suite for safer browsing
• Fraud victim assistance with $1M compensation
• Black market web surveillance

Usually $19.99 a month, advanced users can opt for a premium package for $24.99. You can trial both services for 30 days with money-back guaranteed.

Read our full Identity Guard review here.

#2 Identity Force

Identity Force is first-choice for parents. Their service covers the whole family and keeps your kids safe online.

Other benefits include:

• Simple UI increase access
• Limits Visibility
• Limits online exposure
• Comprehensive information tracking

Identity Force is a pricier option. Their basic plan is just $17.95 a month, but to access their credit features, it’s $23.95. They do offer a 14-day free trial but only for their standard service.

For more information read our Identity Force review.

#3 Experian

For the financially conscious, this credit-bureau-backed ID theft service provides security from phishing while protecting your FICO score.

Other benefits include:

• 3-bureau monitoring
• Updates on address/court record changes
• CreditLock to keep block unauthorized requests.

Alongside their $19.99 monthly plan, the company also provides a budget option for just $9.99 – which promises Experian-backed credit monitoring. If you don’t want to invest, the 30-day free trial with money-back guarantee is the perfect compromise.

For more information read our Experian review

Don’t Get Caught by a Phishing Site

Cleaning up ID theft isn’t easy, especially after a phishing scandal. The best thing to do is set up precautions so it can’t happen, like using an identity theft protection service.