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#phishingscams — Public Fediverse posts

Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #phishingscams, aggregated by home.social.

  1. AI-Powered Phishing Scams Evade Detection in Workplace

    Phishing scams are getting sneakier, with 72% of people saying AI-powered attempts are more convincing than ever - and 57% believe AI makes them harder to spot because they seem more professional. As a result, employees are struggling to tell the difference between genuine workplace messages and fraudulent ones.

    osintsights.com/ai-powered-phi

    #AipoweredPhishing #PhishingScams #WorkplaceSecurity #EmergingThreats #AigeneratedContent

  2. Scams to Look Out for During Tax Season (And How to Protect Yourself)

    Tax Season Scams Are on the Rise

    Every year during tax season, scammers ramp up efforts to steal personal information, tax refunds, and stimulus payments from individuals, families, and small businesses. These scams often impersonate the IRS, tax preparers, or financial institutions and can arrive via email, phone calls, text messages, or social media.

    Knowing what to watch for is the best way to protect yourself and your finances.

    Common Tax Season Scams to Watch Out For

    1️⃣ IRS Impersonation Scams

    Scammers pose as IRS agents, claiming you owe back taxes or penalties and demanding immediate payment.

    🚩 Red Flags

    Threats of arrest, deportation, or license suspension Requests for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer Robocalls or aggressive language

    ✅ What to Know

    The IRS never initiates contact by phone, text, email, or social media.

    2️⃣ Phishing Emails & Fake IRS Messages

    Fraudulent emails and texts claim to be from the IRS or tax software companies and ask you to “verify” information.

    🚩 Red Flags

    Misspelled URLs or suspicious links Requests for Social Security numbers or banking info Urgent subject lines like “Immediate Action Required”

    ✅ Tip

    Never click unknown links. The IRS communicates primarily by U.S. mail.

    3️⃣ Fake Tax Preparers

    Unlicensed or dishonest preparers may promise huge refunds or charge fees based on your refund amount.

    🚩 Red Flags

    Refusal to sign your tax return Asking you to sign a blank return Requests to deposit refunds into their own account

    ✅ Tip

    Use an IRS-credentialed tax professional and verify credentials at IRS.gov.

    4️⃣ Refund Theft & Identity Theft

    Scammers file fraudulent returns using stolen personal information to claim refunds.

    🚩 Red Flags

    IRS notice stating a return was already filed Unexpected refund deposits Denied e-filing due to duplicate filing

    ✅ Tip

    File early and use an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN).

    5️⃣ Fake Charity Scams

    Scammers exploit generosity by creating fake charities, especially after disasters or during crises.

    🚩 Red Flags

    Pressure to donate immediately Requests for donations via cash, gift cards, or apps No official charity documentation

    ✅ Tip

    Verify charities through the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search.

    6️⃣ Unemployment & Benefit Fraud

    Scammers may claim you owe taxes on unemployment benefits you never received—or try to steal your information.

    🚩 Red Flags

    Unexpected tax forms Requests to “correct” benefit information via email or text

    How to Protect Yourself During Tax Season

    ✔ File your taxes early

    ✔ Use strong, unique passwords

    ✔ Enable multi-factor authentication

    ✔ Secure personal documents

    ✔ Monitor bank and credit activity

    ✔ Use reputable tax software or certified professionals


    What to Do If You’re Targeted by a Tax Scam

    Report phishing emails to [email protected] Report scams to ReportFraud.ftc.gov Monitor your credit reports Contact the IRS Identity Theft Unit if affected

    Stay Alert, Stay Protected

    Tax season is stressful enough without falling victim to fraud. Staying informed and cautious can help protect your identity, finances, and peace of mind.

    For more local safety alerts, consumer tips, and community updates, follow DoRaleigh.com.

    Post your community News, Events, and you can request placing a Paid ad on our Submissions Page.

    Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | BSky | Linkedin

    #DoRaleigh #FakeIRSCalls #FinancialSafety #IdentityTheft #IRSScams #News #PhishingScams #RaleighConsumerAlerts #TaxFraudPrevention #TaxSafetyTips #TaxSeasonScams

  3. AI vs AI: How New Technologies Are Combating Sophisticated Crypto Scams - Scams make up the majority of illicit activity in the cryptocurrency sector. Findi... - cryptonews.com/news/ai-vs-ai-h #blockchainnews #phishingscams #cryptoscam #news #ai

  4. FTC: Imposter Scam Losses Among Seniors Surge 362% Since 2020 - Older Americans are losing money to imposter scams at an alarming rate, with losses and c... - cryptonews.com/news/ftc-impost #phishingscams #altcoinnews #cryptoscam #scam

  5. Hackers Exploit Old YouTube Accounts to Promote Crypto Drain Scams: Report - Hackers are hijacking older YouTube accounts to promote a crypto scam disguised as... - cryptonews.com/news/hackers-ex #phishingscams #altcoinnews #hackers #hack

  6. Investor Loses $3M in Crypto Phishing Scam After Signing Malicious Transaction - A cryptocurrency investor has fallen victim to a phishing scam, losing $3.05 milli... - cryptonews.com/news/investor-l #phishingattack #phishingscams #altcoinnews #scam

  7. Investor Loses $3M in Crypto Phishing Scam After Signing Malicious Transaction - A cryptocurrency investor has fallen victim to a phishing scam, losing $3.05 milli... - cryptonews.com/news/investor-l #phishingattack #phishingscams #altcoinnews #scam

  8. Investor Loses $3M in Crypto Phishing Scam After Signing Malicious Transaction - A cryptocurrency investor has fallen victim to a phishing scam, losing $3.05 milli... - cryptonews.com/news/investor-l #phishingattack #phishingscams #altcoinnews #scam

  9. Investor Loses $3M in Crypto Phishing Scam After Signing Malicious Transaction - A cryptocurrency investor has fallen victim to a phishing scam, losing $3.05 milli... - cryptonews.com/news/investor-l #phishingattack #phishingscams #altcoinnews #scam

  10. $2.5M Gone in Hours — Victim Hit Twice in Sophisticated Stablecoin Phishing Scam - A crypto investor lost a staggering $2.6 million USDT on May 26, 2025, after falli... - cryptonews.com/news/2-5m-gone- #phishingscams #ethereumnews #stablecoin #definews #news

  11. Mastering Cybersecurity: How to Protect Yourself from Phishing and Smishing Scams

    1,428 words, 8 minutes read time.

    Free Download: Smishing Scam Quick Reference Guide

    Cybersecurity is more important than ever in today’s digital world. As technology continues to evolve, so do the methods cybercriminals use to exploit unsuspecting individuals. One of the most prevalent and dangerous types of cyber attack is phishing—and a particularly sneaky variation, smishing, which targets you via text messages. These scams can lead to significant personal and financial loss, but understanding how they work and knowing how to protect yourself is key to staying safe online.

    In this post, we’ll walk through the basics of phishing and smishing, how these scams work, and most importantly, how you can safeguard yourself from falling victim to these deceptive attacks.

    1. Understanding Cybersecurity and Why It Matters

    Before diving into phishing and smishing scams, it’s essential to grasp the broader concept of cybersecurity. At its core, cybersecurity is the practice of protecting your personal, financial, and sensitive information from cybercriminals, hackers, and malicious software. The goal is to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your data, meaning your information should only be accessed by those who are authorized, and it should be kept secure from tampering or loss.

    As our world becomes increasingly digital, the threats to our online security also grow. Cybercriminals use a variety of techniques to steal data, gain access to accounts, and commit fraud. Phishing and smishing are two of the most common, and they can have devastating consequences if you’re not vigilant.

    2. What is Phishing and Smishing?

    Phishing

    Phishing is a type of cyber attack where scammers send fraudulent messages—typically through email—that appear to be from a legitimate organization, like your bank, the government, or a trusted online retailer. These messages often include links that lead to fake websites designed to steal your personal information. The emails may claim that you need to update your account information, resolve a billing issue, or confirm a transaction. The goal? To trick you into entering your username, password, or credit card number.

    Smishing

    Smishing is the SMS (text message) version of phishing. In this scam, cybercriminals send text messages that appear to come from legitimate sources, such as government agencies, toll services, or postal delivery companies. The message will typically inform you of an “unpaid invoice” or a “fee” that requires immediate attention. You’re then encouraged to click on a link that takes you to a fake website, where you may be asked to enter sensitive information.

    Both phishing and smishing exploit the same tactics: impersonating a trusted entity, creating a sense of urgency, and directing you to a fake website or form to steal your personal information.

    3. How Phishing and Smishing Scams Work

    While phishing and smishing may seem like sophisticated attacks, their methods are relatively simple, yet highly effective. Here’s how they typically unfold:

    Step 1: You Receive a Message

    A phishing or smishing scam begins with a message that appears to come from a familiar, trustworthy source. The email or text might look legitimate because it includes logos, official language, and even your name or other personal details. You might receive a notification claiming there is an unpaid toll fee, an overdue invoice, or a problem with your bank account.

    Step 2: You’re Asked to Click on a Link

    The message will often contain a link that prompts you to click. This is where the scam turns dangerous. In a phishing email, the link will take you to a fake website that looks nearly identical to a legitimate one. In a smishing text, clicking the link will lead you to a fraudulent page designed to capture your personal information.

    Step 3: You Enter Personal Information

    If you fall for the scam, you’ll be prompted to enter sensitive data such as login credentials, credit card numbers, or personal identification numbers (PINs). The criminals behind these attacks use this information for identity theft, financial fraud, or selling your data on the dark web.

    Step 4: The Scamsters Profit

    Once the scammers have your information, they can use it to make unauthorized purchases, steal your identity, or access your financial accounts. In the case of smishing, your phone number might be sold to other cybercriminals, or they may use it to perpetrate additional scams.

    4. Red Flags to Look Out For

    Phishing and smishing attacks can be incredibly convincing, but there are several warning signs you can look for to help you identify a scam. Here are a few common red flags to watch out for:

    • Urgency or Threats: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming that you must act immediately to avoid penalties or lose access to your account.
    • Suspicious Links: Always hover over a link to see where it leads. Scammers often use slightly misspelled URLs or obscure domains that look similar to the legitimate website’s domain but are not quite right.
    • Generic Greetings: A legitimate organization will address you by name, whereas scammers may use generic greetings like “Dear Customer” or “Dear User.”
    • Unusual Requests: Be wary of requests to enter personal or financial information via email or text message. Legitimate companies usually don’t ask for sensitive data this way.

    5. How to Protect Yourself from Phishing and Smishing Scams

    Protecting yourself from these types of attacks requires vigilance, awareness, and adopting a few simple but effective practices. Here’s what you can do:

    a. Never Click on Links in Unsolicited Messages

    Whether the message comes by email or text, avoid clicking on any links from unknown or suspicious sources. If you think the message might be legitimate, go directly to the official website or app by typing the URL into your browser.

    b. Check the Sender’s Email Address or Phone Number

    Scammers often use email addresses or phone numbers that look similar to legitimate ones but have small differences. Verify the sender’s details before responding or taking any action.

    c. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

    Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. Even if a scammer manages to steal your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second factor of authentication, usually a temporary code sent to your phone or email.

    d. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

    Always use strong passwords that are difficult to guess and unique for each of your online accounts. Password managers can help you generate and store complex passwords securely.

    e. Regularly Update Your Software

    Keep your operating system, browsers, and apps up to date. Software updates often include important security patches that protect against new vulnerabilities.

    f. Educate Yourself and Stay Informed

    Stay up to date with the latest cybersecurity trends and learn about common scams. Knowledge is one of your best defenses against phishing and smishing attacks.

    6. What to Do if You’ve Fallen for a Phishing or Smishing Scam

    If you’ve clicked on a suspicious link or entered sensitive information, don’t panic. Here’s what you can do:

    • Immediately change your passwords for any affected accounts, especially your bank or email accounts.
    • Contact your bank or credit card company if you suspect financial fraud, and monitor your accounts for any unauthorized transactions.
    • Report the scam to your local authorities or relevant organizations, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your country’s cybersecurity agency.
    • Run a full antivirus scan on your devices to check for malware or malicious software that may have been installed.

    7. Conclusion: Stay Safe and Stay Informed

    Phishing and smishing are dangerous but preventable threats. By staying informed, being cautious with your personal information, and using good cybersecurity practices, you can protect yourself from these types of scams.

    Remember, always verify any unsolicited messages before taking action. Never let urgency cloud your judgment, and never share sensitive information through email or text messages unless you are 100% sure the source is legitimate.

    For more tips on how to protect your digital life, subscribe to our newsletter and stay up to date with the latest cybersecurity advice. Your safety online is only a few simple steps away.

    D. Bryan King

    Sources

    Disclaimer:

    The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author. The information provided is based on personal research, experience, and understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing. Readers should consult relevant experts or authorities for specific guidance related to their unique situations.

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  12. British Man Apprehended At Airport, Jailed for More Than 8 Years Over Phishing Scam - Key Takeaways:

    Zak Coyne’s role in building and managing Labhost reveals a distu... - cryptonews.com/news/british-ph #blockchainnews #phishingscams #news #uk

  13. New Phishing Scam Targets Coinbase, Gemini Users, Urging Transition to Self-Custody Wallets - Several crypto users have flagged new sophisticated phishing scam mails, targeting... - cryptonews.com/news/coinbase-g #blockchainnews #phishingscams #coinbase #gemini

  14. November Phishing Scams Cost 9.2K Victims Over $9M: Report - According to a report by blockchain security firm ScamSniffer, the crypto landsca... - cryptonews.com/news/november-p #phishingscams #scamsniffer #definews

  15. Scam Emails Target Ledger Users with Fake ‘Ledger Clear Signing’ Feature - A new wave of phishing emails is targeting Ledger hardware wallet users in an att... - cryptonews.com/news/scam-email #blockchainnews #phishingscams #phishing #ledger

  16. Chainalysis Launches Operation Spincaster to Combat $2.7 Billion in Crypto Scams - Blockchain data firm Chainalysis revealed the results of Operation Spincaster, a global i... - cryptonews.com/news/chainalysi #operationspincaster #blockchainnews #phishingscams #cryptoscams

  17. Phishing Scammer Returns $9.3M to Victim 10 Months After $24M Heist - A victim of a phishing scam has received a significant portion of their stolen fun... - cryptonews.com/news/scammer-re #phishingscams #altcoinnews #cryptoscam