Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Look Out for Phishing Emails Used as Bait!

It’s week two of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a global initiative recognized during the month of October to raise awareness about online safety and empower individuals and businesses to protect against cybercrime! Click here to visit our Cybersecurity Webpage and more resources. This week we’re covering phishing, an online scam that tries to steal your personal info or identity.

Picture this: You receive an email from a package delivery service you recognize. The message indicates you have an outstanding delivery that needs to be confirmed within 24 hours, or it will be cancelled. The email asks for your credit card information to confirm the payment and to view the invoice attached to the email. This is a phishing attempt!

With a phishing scam, you may receive an email that appears to be from a company you do business with or trust, like your bank, credit card company, or even a package delivery service. The email, which is actually from a scammer, then directs you to a fake website, where you’re asked to provide sensitive information, like your Online Banking credentials, Social Security number, or bank account information. Scammers can then use that information to steal money from you, apply for loans, or commit other acts of fraud. Phishing emails may also include an attachment that when opened, will download a virus, spyware, and other malware onto your computer.

How to avoid getting phished.

The best way to avoid getting scammed is to consider your online activity. Are you taking the necessary safety measures to protect yourself? Check out our last installment of this series for some tips on how to safe online. Be on the lookout for red flags that indicate something is off and the person or entity sending you the email isn’t legitimate. If you believe you received a fraudulent email, text, or phone call from a scammer pretending to be a legitimate person or business please contact Customer Care immediately at 877.380.2265.

Red flags for phishing.

• Typos and poor grammar in the message
• Messages that convey a sense of urgency
• Requests for you to provide online passwords or other personal and sensitive information
• Emails that contain suspicious links, attachments, or different domain names
• Communications that address you as “Dear Customer” instead of your name
• Contact information doesn’t match the official website

North Shore Bank and Abington Bank are here to protect you.
Your security is our priority. To learn more about ways we can help you stay safe online, contact us at 877.380.2265, stop by your nearest office, or visit our Cybersecurity webpage!