phishing scams

Phishing Scams: What’s New and How to Protect Yourself

As we approach the end of 2024, phishing scams continue to evolve, becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. Cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to exploit the latest trends, events, and technological advancements to trick unsuspecting victims into revealing personal or financial information. That is why it is critical to have cybersecurity experts like MVR Group, to help protect you from these threats.

Trending Phishing Scams in November 2024

1. Holiday Shopping Scams

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday on the horizon, online shopping scams are at an all-time high. Phishers are capitalizing on the surge in online purchases and the urgency to grab great deals. Expect to see fraudulent emails, texts, and social media posts offering “too good to be true” deals from popular retailers or unknown websites.

Protection Tips:

  • Always shop from trusted, official websites and double-check URLs before entering any payment information.
  • Avoid clicking on links from unsolicited emails or messages, especially those offering deals or promotions.
  • Use a credit card instead of a debit card when shopping online, as credit cards offer better fraud protection.

2. AI-Powered Phishing Attacks

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being increasingly used by scammers to craft more convincing and personalized phishing messages. This month, we’re seeing a rise in AI-powered phishing attempts that appear highly credible due to their ability to mimic writing styles, logos, and even voices.

Protection Tips:

  • Be especially cautious of unsolicited messages that include personal details or sound too familiar.
  • Verify any unexpected requests, especially those asking for sensitive information, by calling the person or organization directly (using known contact details).
  • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.

3. Job Offer and Work-from-Home Scams

As remote work remains popular and job hunting continues to be competitive, phishing attacks targeting job seekers are on the rise. These scams often come in the form of fake job offers, particularly for high-paying work-from-home positions that seem too good to be true.

Protection Tips:

  • Be skeptical of any job offer that requires you to pay money upfront for training, equipment, or other “fees.”
  • Always verify job postings through official company websites or trusted job boards.
  • Use resources like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or Glassdoor to check company legitimacy.

4. COVID-19 and Health-Related Phishing Scams

While the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer at the forefront of global concerns, scammers are still using it as a hook in phishing attempts. With flu season in full swing and ongoing health initiatives, cybercriminals are exploiting public health concerns to steal personal information.

Protection Tips:

  • Be cautious of unsolicited health-related emails, particularly those that require you to provide personal or medical information.
  • Always visit official health websites (e.g., CDC, WHO, local health departments) directly by typing the web address into your browser, rather than clicking on links in emails.
  • Don’t trust emails from senders you don’t recognize or expect, especially if they demand immediate action or contain urgent health claims.

5. Banking and Payment Fraud

With an uptick in digital banking and financial transactions, phishing attacks aimed at stealing banking credentials continue to be a major concern. In November 2024, scammers are leveraging holiday shopping and travel bookings to trick victims into divulging sensitive information like bank account numbers, credit card details, and login credentials.

Protection Tips:

  • Always type your bank’s web address directly into the browser rather than clicking on links in emails.
  • Look for red flags, such as generic greetings, typos, or a sense of urgency.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your bank accounts for extra protection.

How to Protect Yourself from Phishing in November 2024

While phishing scams are constantly evolving, the best defense is always awareness. Here are some key steps you can take to protect yourself from falling victim to phishing scams this November and beyond:

  1. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Requests: Always question unexpected emails, messages, or phone calls asking for sensitive information, even if they appear to be from trusted sources.
  2. Double-Check Links and URLs: Hover over links before clicking to see where they lead. Make sure the URL matches the official website, and be cautious of URLs that look unusual or misspelled.
  3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Protect your online accounts with multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. Even if a cybercriminal gains access to your password, they will be unable to log in without the second form of verification.
  4. Keep Software and Security Systems Updated: Ensure that your devices, browsers, and antivirus software are up-to-date with the latest security patches. Many phishing attacks rely on exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated systems.
  5. Educate Friends and Family: Share information about phishing scams with your loved ones, especially those who may be more vulnerable, such as older adults. A little awareness can go a long way in preventing scams.

Conclusion

As we head into the busy holiday season, phishing scams are expected to intensify in sophistication and frequency. Whether it’s fake offers, AI-powered attacks, or health-related fraud, cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to exploit your trust. Contact MVR Group to discover how to improve your security posture for your business today!