In the digital era, where our lives are increasingly intertwined with the internet, online security is paramount. For our Ideal CU members, safeguarding personal information is not just a convenience but a necessity. The risks associated with online activities – from banking to shopping – are real and evolving.
Fraudulent schemes usually feel distant until they happen right in front of us. This blog details the personal experience of a senior vice president (SVP) at Ideal Credit Union, whose own close encounter with a scam underscores the pervasive and insidious nature of fraud. Here, we explore how easily anyone can become a target, even those well-versed in the mechanisms of financial deception.
Though smishing is a recently invented and silly-sounding word, the potential fallout of such a scam is considerable. Smishing, a mix of "SMS" and "phishing," is a type of phishing scam conducted through text messages. Smishing scams aim to exploit the unguarded attitude people often feel with their smartphones, capitalizing on the trust and urgency that text messages often carry.
In an age where technology is integral to our daily lives, tech support scams have emerged as a significant threat. These scams prey on the reliance we place on technology support systems and the knowledge that these systems are more complicated than the majority of us understand. These scams are not just spreading; they're evolving, becoming more sophisticated and convincing, leading to breaches of personal security and significant financial losses. Understanding the magnitude of this issue is the first step in preparing to guard ourselves, our identities and financial assets.
