Email Scams Targeting Seniors: How to Spot Phishing Messages

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What Is Phishing?

Phishing is when scammers send fake emails or texts that appear to be from legitimate companies like your bank, Amazon, or PayPal. The message contains a link to a fake website designed to steal your username, password, and credit card details.

Warning Signs in Emails

Generic greetings like Dear Customer instead of your name. Urgent demands: Your account will be closed. Spelling and grammar mistakes. The sender's email address doesn't match the company's official domain. The email asks you to click a link to verify your account information.

Text Message Scams

Fake delivery notifications from UPS, FedEx, or USPS saying a package couldn't be delivered. Fake bank alerts about unusual login attempts. Never click links in text messages from unknown senders. Delete the message immediately.

What to Do

Do not click any links. Delete the email or text. If you accidentally clicked a link, do not enter any information. Close the browser tab. Run a virus scan if concerned. Report phishing to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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