Scammers are taking advantage of the fear surrounding the current Coronavirus situation. They are using the pandemic as cover to send phishing emails and make fraudulent phone calls aimed at gathering information about you. Your social security number, bank account information, and online account passwords can be used to steal your wages, your identity, and take control of your life.
Fortunately, you do not have to be a victim. I wanted to share with you some tips from the Information Security Office on ways to protect yourself from these scams. Following these simple guidelines will lessen the likelihood that your information will be stolen.
Tips to keep the scammers at bay:
- Hang up on robocalls. Don’t press any numbers. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam Coronavirus treatments to work-at-home schemes.
- Know exactly who you are talking to, in person or through email, and don’t give out any personal information to anyone you don’t know.
- Do not be pressured into “verifying your identity,” either through email or over the phone.
- Do not log in to websites through email links, always go to the destination site and log in there.
- If you receive an unexpected email from someone and it seems suspicious, call them on the phone and verify they were the sender.
- If you ever encounter any known or suspected phishing emails, be sure to forward them as an attachment to abuse@txstate.edu.
You can learn more about these attacks and how to report phishing on the Information Security Coronavirus and Disaster Scams page.
The Federal Trade Commission has a handy graphic below with tips on how to protect yourself from potential scams. Be sure to check out the graphic and the advice from the Information Security Office, and stay safe, Bobcats!
Cedrik Chavez is marketing and communications specialist student employee in the IT Marketing and Communications office.
