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Tag Archives: scams
Social media scams: Some lost pets aren’t what they seem.
Few things tug at our hearts like adorable animals in danger or the distraught humans who miss them. Most of us have seen posts on social media from pet owners trying frantically to bring a lost furry family member home. They ask for help as simple as re-sharing, and we click, reposting that adorable dog we really hope… Read More »
Hang up on phone scams
Recognize phone scams and hang up on fraud!
Check your texts for scams
Have you heard of “smishing”? That’s phishing via text message (SMS + phishing). Watch for texts about packages you didn’t order or COVID-19 reports from unknown numbers.
Beware of tech support scams
Have you ever seen a pop-up on your computer or received an unsolicited call urging you to contact “tech support?” Scammers sometimes impersonate IT support staff and claim something is wrong with your computer. They offer to help fix the problem—for a fee—but instead may steal your personal information or infect your computer with malicious software. This can… Read More »
Don’t share your COVID-19 vaccination card on social media
Many people are so excited when they get their COVID-19 vaccination that they want to share the good news with everyone. But, just as you shouldn’t share other highly personal information on social media, please don’t share a photo of your vaccination card.
How to spot misleading sender addresses
Some email scams are easy to spot. Other types of scams, like emails with forged or misleading sender addresses, can be harder to catch. Such emails are often referred to as “spoofed.” Scammers “spoof” by trying to make you think the sender is someone you know and trust in an attempt to get you to send money, disclose… Read More »
That text message might be a scam
You know to be wary of phishing emails and phone scams, but did you know that crooks also send text messages to steal your identity and money? These scams, called “smishing”—the word comes from SMS + phishing—appear to be increasing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Warning signs Consider any unexpected text message from an unknown number suspect. Smishes may… Read More »
Fraud alert: Tax season extension, coronavirus stimulus payments
Watch for tax fraud during extended tax season With tax filing deadlines extended from April 15 to July 15, the risk of tax fraud is extended as well. Be alert for fraudulent phone calls and emails from scammers pretending to represent the IRS. See Safe Computing: Beware of Tax Fraud for examples and more information. Watch for scams… Read More »
Beware of COVID-19 coronavirus scams
Scammers are taking advantage of the fear and uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus. Some of the most common scams include: Fraudulent cure and treatment offers Fake charities Misinformation from scammers posing as experts Phishing Tracking maps that trick you into downloading malware See Coronavirus Scams on Safe Computing for more details. ITS Information Assurance is keeping the page… Read More »
Work securely while working remotely
Across the world, working from home has become a necessity. When you are working from home, follow IT security best practices to protect yourself and U-M: Secure your computer, smartphone, and other devices. Secure your connections to protect data you send and receive. Beware of phishing, scams, fraud, and other tricks and traps. Protect sensitive U-M data by… Read More »
Beware of tech support scams
Have you ever seen a pop-up on your computer or received an unsolicited call urging you to contact “tech support?” Scammers sometimes impersonate IT support staff and claim something is wrong with your computer. They offer to help fix the problem—for a fee—but instead may steal your personal information or infect your computer with malicious software. This can… Read More »
Beware of tech support scams
Have you ever seen a pop-up on your computer or received an unsolicited call urging you to contact “tech support?” Scammers sometimes impersonate IT support staff and claim something is wrong with your computer. They offer to help fix the problem—for a fee—but instead may steal your personal information or infect your computer with malicious software. This… Read More »