Scam Alert
On the internet, you’re never very far from a thief.
So too in the real world, apparently.
By now, most of us are used to getting email scams, but look at this piece of physical mail one of our clients recently received. You really have to examine it to appreciate just how devilish it is.
If you read the whole thing, you’ll eventually see where they clarify “This is not a bill. This is a solicitation.” which is presumably how they avoid fraud charges. But that text is buried at the end of an intentionally long paragraph they know no one is going to read.
The impression you’re clearly supposed to get is that your domain host is sending you a bill for renewal. The name of the company; the repetition of the word domain; the inclusion of the URL, name servers, and registrar at the top; the annual term; the decidedly bill-like format; etc. are all intended to cheat busy people.
The large, bolded sentence “We appreciate your business” clearly implies they already have it.
It gets even worse when you consider the target—in this case, a group of therapists. We doubt they’re sending these letters to tech consultancies; they’re targeting companies that are less likely to spot the warning signs.
Take Steps to Protect Yourself
There are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself from online fraud—even where online spills over into offline.
Admit the truth
The first step is to admit the truth: Even you can be scammed. Studies of scam victims reveal that they tend to have at least one thing in common: the belief that they’re too smart to fall for it.
It’s not that they (or you) are dull. Most of the time, you probably won’t fall for a scam. But it only takes one slip—when you’re slammed at work and the boss is breathing down your neck, when the kids are running and screaming around you, when you’re sick, when you’re checking emails late at night or before you’ve had your morning coffee.
Scammers are sophisticated. They’ve put a lot of time and energy in getting everything just right, from spoofing your bank’s appearance to sounding like an old friend asking for help by text message. The simple fact is, no one can be hyper-vigilant all the time. It’s just not possible.
So, say it with us: “I can be scammed.”
Never click a link in an email
Even if you’re reasonably sure that the notice you just received really is from your bank, don’t click the button or link. Instead, open your browser and navigate to the bank’s URL independently. If the message is legit, you should be able to find it there.
Don’t provide personal information in email, text, or social media post
We can’t repeat it enough: Legitimate companies will always take personal information via secure means. In fact, in most cases, they’re required to. Email is not secure. Text messages and social media posts definitely aren’t secure. Never share passwords or send any financial or personal details in an email or text message.
Pay via alternate means
Scammers often try to pressure victims into paying just one way. (Bitcoin, anyone?) But legitimate companies are happy to take your money a variety of ways. (We know; we help them set up their payment gateways.) Find a secure payment method that differs from the one provided.
If it sounds too good to be true…
This one is trickier than it sounds. I mean, not many of us are falling for Nigerian princes anymore, or potions to increase our physical endowments. But keep in mind that many scams are crafted to sound like they could be true: What an amazing deal—you don’t want to wait a second!
The better the promise, the more you need to verify it. 80% off that fridge you were just looking at? Maybe check around a bit and see if that’s true. The internet isn’t only a source of risk. It can also help you recognize online threats.
Wait
Scammers always want you to pay right away. Legitimate companies will give you time to make a decision, even if that’s just a few days. Don’t act impulsively. Simply by waiting until the morning, you may come to your senses.
Ask a friend
If you’re not sure if something is legit, ask! If you don’t like asking for help, don’t call it that. Nothing motivates people quite like the chance to prove you wrong. Tell them you thought something looked legit and ask for their opinion.
That was the resolution with the scam letter above. Luckily, our clients are great and knew to ask before doing anything with it. And they’re glad they did.
