Hello everyone! This is Shemihaza, your guardian (sentinel). You all receive many emails and messages every day, don't you? Did you know that among them, there might be "fake messages" that look exactly like the real thing, but are actually trying to trick you? Today, I'll talk about the latest tactics of "phishing scams," which are becoming more sophisticated every year, and how to protect your valuable information.
Looks Just Like the Real Thing! The Cunning Traps of "Fake Emails and SMS"
Phishing is a type of fraud where scammers impersonate real companies or public institutions (such as government offices), send fake messages, and attempt to steal your valuable information (such as IDs, passwords, and credit card numbers). Recently, tactics like the following have been increasing:
- ▸① SMS (Short Message Service) scams impersonating "delivery services": Messages falsely claiming to be "delivery notifications" are sent, urging you to arrange for redelivery. If you click on the URL in the message, you will be directed to a fake website that looks exactly like the real one, where you may be prompted to enter personal information or credit card details, or malicious apps may be downloaded without your knowledge.
- ▸② Email scams impersonating "tax offices or the National Tax Agency": These emails contain content designed to create anxiety, such as "You have unpaid taxes" or "You need to complete procedures to receive a refund," attempting to direct you to a fake website. Tactics involving impersonating the National Tax Agency's website and asking for credit card information or bank account details have been reported.
- ▸③ Email scams impersonating "famous brands or services": These messages pretend to be from well-known companies like Amazon, Apple, banks, securities firms, or mobile phone companies, and use urgent language like "There's a problem with your account" or "You need to change your password" to direct you to a fake website. Emails and websites with designs so elaborate that they are indistinguishable from the real thing are also increasing.
Checkpoints to Protect Yourself
To protect your valuable information from phishing scams, check the following points:
- ✓Carefully check the "sender" of emails and SMS messages. If the address differs even slightly from the legitimate company, be suspicious.
- ✓Do not easily click on URLs written in the message body. If you genuinely need to check something, search for and access the official website you normally use yourself.
- ✓Be especially cautious of messages that try to rush you with phrases like "Urgent," "Immediate action required," or "Serious consequences if not checked." Stay calm and take a moment to think.
- ✓Never enter personal information, credit card numbers, or bank account details even if prompted to do so via links in emails or SMS messages. Legitimate companies generally do not ask for personal information directly via email.
- ✓Ensure that your spam filter and security software are updated and in use.
Where to Consult if You're in Trouble
If you accidentally entered information into a fake website, immediately change your passwords and contact your credit card company or bank. If you are concerned about potential damage, do not hesitate to consult with a specialized institution. Contact the Consumer Affairs Center "Consumer Hotline (188)" or the police consultation service "#9110".