Technology Instruction: Internet Safety

Common Types of Scams
Phishing: when scammers use fake emails or text messages to “fish” for information. Features of a fake email or phishing scam:

• Lead you to a fake website
• Try to win your trust
• Claim to be from a real organization
• Ask for your information
• Promise a lot of money if you give a small amount upfront
• Ask you to download an email attachment

Malware: malicious software, is a tool used by scammers that can take many different shapes. Examples:

A fake email used to infect your computer with malware, or a virus as soon as you open the email.
Downloading a fake file that has a virus to infect your computer or “spyware” that tracks your online activities.

Social Engineering:

• A person may claim to be:
• a friend or family member in trouble.
• a company with a great discount or offer.
• working on behalf of a government agency, organization or collection agency.
• These fraudsters can approach you by phone, email, text or social media