Share:
Double-check those “urgent” emails — they could be a scam
Imagine doing your morning Wordle (yes, I still do) when you get an urgent email from Netflix. Subject: Your subscription just expired.
After a little digging, you realize that your account never lapsed. Now, you’re stuck with a fake charge and a crook running around with your personal info.
You wouldn’t be the first. Imposter scams cost Americans $2.7 billion in 2023. But, now you get my newsletter, so you should know better! I put together these phishing red flags so you can avoid getting caught hook, line and sucker.
A (not-so) “urgent” update
Scammers love to impersonate businesses everyone uses (aka, streaming services). They can make emails look super legit, but these common phishing scams still have telltale signs.
- Red flag #1: Direct payment. These emails almost always include links to input your credit card or bank account number.
- Red flag #2: “Act now” language. Scammers hope you’ll overlook the signs of a fake deal or discount by acting quickly.
- Red flag #3: Sketchy numbers. Oh no, your subscription or membership is about to auto-renew — but the total looks off. The email includes a phone number to “clear things up” … That goes straight to a fake customer service center.
Catch those phish
Think they know how to outsmart us. I’ll help you beat them at their game:
- Review the actual email address, not just the sender’s name. If it looks off or unprofessional, straight to spam.
- Check for spelling and grammar errors in the text.
- Cross-reference the info. Log into your account at the company’s website or call its official number — not the number in your inbox.
- Keep a subscription calendar so you know when they’re set to renew or expire.
- Never provide your payment info if you didn’t initiate a purchase.
- It’s not urgent. I promise. A legit business will never ask you to pay immediately with a bank account number, prepaid credit card, digital wallet app or money wire. Especially if it’s your first notice!
- Report all bogus emails as spam and delete them from your inbox.
- Avoid clicking links in the email.
Pro tip: Check the BBB’s Scam Tracker to see if there’s a similar scam or report a new one.
🎣 I heard about a phisher who got caught by the Feds … he’s on squid row.
Tags: phishing, streaming services
Share: