How to Avoid being a victim of Phishing Scams

[MusaPk]

This is why having two devices is very important. Most at times, people can be easily carried away or get distracted as the case may be and mistakenly click on bait link. If you have two devices with one containing your wallet with your funds and the other for regular use, you'll have less to worry about even if such mistakes happen. Banks and wallets dev have said enough about sharing sensitive information on their website but I wonder why people why people still fall victim through that method.

We must try to keep our devices hosting wallets offline because in case our online gadgets got compromised our wallets still remain save from getting into hands of illegitimate users. It's also important to keep our self updated with new techniques and methodologies being used by hackers like zero-value transfer because hackers are constantly updating them. Lastly, lets not forget that a chain is as strong as its weakest link and in cyber security humans are the weakest link, so keep yourself vigilant all the time while you are online on your devices.   

[Mpamaegbu]

What I have observed over the years is that if you stop social media sites like facebook, twitter, specially telegram and discord, you can reduce the chances of getting scammed by 50%. I mean imo, it's true.

You're right on that. It's worse with Telegram and X. The brazen fraud that go on this platforms is better left to the imagination. However, I learnt something a few years ago and that has been helping me avoid phishers. When someone tells me of new projects, I don't ask them to spell it. I ask for link but won't open it until I've read up on it myself from random reports. Different people saying the same thing is enough confirmation for the thing talked about.

[DYING_S0UL]

What I have observed over the years is that if you stop social media sites like facebook, twitter, specially telegram and discord, you can reduce the chances of getting scammed by 50%. I mean imo, it's true.

You're right on that. It's worse with Telegram and X. The brazen fraud that go on this platforms is better left to the imagination. However, I learnt something a few years ago and that has been helping me avoid phishers. When someone tells me of new projects, I don't ask them to spell it. I ask for link but won't open it until I've read up on it myself from random reports. Different people saying the same thing is enough confirmation for the thing talked about.

You pick up one or two things when you use something for a long time. The same happened with me. As of today, if anyone messages me with an offer or anything, I can tell most of the times whether it is a possible scam attempt of not. Another thing I have observed if you have a fresh account, with less group joined, you most probably won't be approached by any scammers. I have two accounts, one filled with thousands of group and one with nothing. And like a said, I get messages from strangers every day. If one can't handle these thing, they should stop using it until they can be sure that they won't be fooled. 50% chance gone in an instant.

[Smartvirus]

One means I’ve been able to stay ahead of phishing over the years is that, I refuse to download unnecessary applications into my working devices and devices that have wallets on them.

Most persons like to concern themselves with the beautification of their device, its display, its key board for mobile, clicking just any link because your curious and having several applications which might not be entirely useful just packed up. Well guess what, that’s how you provide scammers with a way to get hold of your vitals and boom, you’re a victim!

[Woodie]

Nice write up OP.

Just to add on the valuable points shared, We also need to pay attention to how these emails address us...if its an official service provider email, usually these emails address us by name...like Mr Satoshi and if this isn't the case you need to do your homework to check this is a legit email to avoid falling for the spam and phishing attempt.

[Publictalk792]

One means I’ve been able to stay ahead of phishing over the years is that, I refuse to download unnecessary applications into my working devices and devices that have wallets on them.

Most persons like to concern themselves with the beautification of their device, its display, its key board for mobile, clicking just any link because your curious and having several applications which might not be entirely useful just packed up. Well guess what, that’s how you provide scammers with a way to get hold of your vitals and boom, you’re a victim!

You choose smart way to stay safe online not downloading apps you do not need especially on devices holding digital wallets. Many people accidentally make their devices unsafe by downloading too many apps clicking on random links or just trying to make their screens look pretty. Each new app or click can create opening for scammers. Your careful approach which limits these risks is great example of how being simple and cautious can protect you much better than just reacting after something bad happens.

[Becassine]

I don't think scammers make spelling mistakes these days; it seems like that's a thing of the past.

I'm surprised no one provides the Virus Total link[/b] to check links and sites.

Of course, there's also HaveIbeenpwned for emails. Emails should each have a dedicated, secure use with 2FA.

It's good to explain what to do, and it's not bad to explain how to do it. But people are lazy, they want everything right away, they don't read the instructions anymore.

[MykeAdams]

As the use of bitcoin continue to grow, and more people continues to adopt it into their financial transactions both long term and short term, it is important to make sure you don't lose your asset....Most fraudulent activities are now carried out on the internet, with so many crypto user unaware that they even exist. I've decided to share some ideas as a cyber security analyst on how users can protect them selves from possible treats online.

One of the many ways people still become victims of scam is through "Phishing".
Phishing is simply the use of fake websites, emails, malicious links and messages to trick People into revealing sensitive information or installing malwares on your devices and possibly drain your funds.

How does this work:

• Fake websites: You may be be directed to a clone website that may be  Identical to a trusted one but the URL might be a little bit off from the original and you will be prompted to login or input sensitive data
• Emails: Scammers usually use fake emails claiming to be from banks, exchanges or even wallet companies asking for sensitive information
• Malicious links: Links may be attached to emails and messages that may look legit... But when you hover over them with your cursor, a different suspicious link is revealed
• Messages:You could get an unexpected text usually claiming to be tech support and with an urgent tone that requires immediate action...

How to avoid being a victim:
 

• Always be alert: Don't be too quick to click on any link that is sent to you by email of message... If it claims to be from a certain financial company, always think to know if you really have an account or business with that company
• Check email address: Most of the emails they use to send these attacks are false... They may look real but if you look closely at them you will discover that there are errors ... Example could be double letters or calligraphy of different fonts....
• Check grammar: Some of these phishing messages have a lot of grammatical errors that a top tier company wouldn't have so be sure to check carefully.
• Suspicious links: These messages often carried suspicious links that claims to be legit and asks you to login...
  The link too have errors ... It could be the extension of the domain or the calligraphy...
• Check your wallets and Exchanges: If you have an account with the said company either a wallet or and exchanges, you should have their official apps on you phone. Verify any transaction or issue with these apps to avoid getting scammed.

I hope this has given y'all some enlightenment and if there is any contribution to this post, I will gladly add it.
 

This really draws my attention towards impersonating. Most scammers claim to be so called personnel’s of some kind of organization that maybe you’ve come in contact with, laying out proven evidence to you to make you actually believe them might be so true, giving you links for you to get enrolled in at the end robbing you of your asset. So I urge everyone to be careful when ever we get suspicious links to click on we need to be alert and take precautions before getting involved in whatever is rendered to us from these cat fishers.