No Phishing Allowed

Entrepreneurs can find a wealth of opportunities on the internet.

In today’s world, freelancers have many options to manage their businesses, thanks to the wide range of online opportunities set before them.

But, despite the numerous options made available, it is crucial to consider the potential risks. Phishing is a significant concern that puts many small businesses and freelancers at risk.

What is Phishing?

Phishing refers to the deceitful act of sending emails or other messages that appear to be from a trustworthy company to trick individuals into disclosing sensitive information such as their passwords or credit card numbers. Sometimes, the phisher may even coax the recipient into downloading harmful software onto their computer without their knowledge.

As a freelancer or independent contractor, it’s crucial to be cautious when receiving proposals from potential clients via email or social media direct messages.

It’s not unexpected that criminals are utilizing increasingly inventive and misleading tactics today. These criminals can craft job offers or email proposals that look and sound so convincing. And if you’re not careful, you could be tricked by their deception.

Perhaps you or someone you know has been a victim of a phishing attack.

If you have been the target of a phishing attack, please know that it is not your fault and it does not reflect your intelligence. I want to reassure you that I understand.

I have also fallen victim to a phishing scam before, so I understand the feeling of unknowingly giving personal information to a stranger whose sole intention is to steal from you. It can be a disheartening experience.

What steps can I take to safeguard myself from becoming a victim of phishing attacks?

Now that you have some knowledge about phishing, what measures can you adopt to prevent being a target of a cybercrime? Also, what indicators should you be cautious of?

Here are a few tips that can help:

1. Don’t give out any personal information

Be cautious online. Don’t share personal or financial info through unsolicited emails or links. Double-check website addresses to make sure they start with “https” for security.

2. Recognize what a phishing scam looks like

Stay informed about the latest cyber-attacks and their characteristics to avoid falling for cyber criminals’ new and innovative methods of stealing confidential information.

3. Beware of suspicious links

Be careful of links sent through email or instant messages. Phishers may pose as legitimate companies or persons that ask for personal information. These links may also contain harmful Malware. Don’t click on any links you’re unsure about.

4. Verify a site’s security

Always check the website’s security before sharing personal or financial information. Look for “https” in the URL, a closed lock icon, and a valid security certificate. If you notice any warnings about harmful files, don’t proceed.

5. Check your accounts regularly

Regularly check your accounts and change passwords to prevent cybercrime. Hackers can access old accounts and use your information for fraudulent activities. Stay safe by being proactive.

6. Use Firewalls and keep your internet browser up to date

Using desktop and network firewalls together is recommended to increase protection against hackers and phishers. Regularly updating your internet browser’s security is also important.

7. Use pop-up blockers

Be cautious of pop-up windows that seem to be a part of a website; they may be phishing attempts to gather your personal information.

8. Verify with a company or financial institution first

Be cautious of phishing scams that try to trick you into giving away personal information. Verify the email address for misspellings or strange domains. Confirm any soliciting attempt for your private information with the company or financial institution first. Report any suspicious emails or messages and mark future phishing attempts as spam.

These are just a few steps you can take to protect yourself from falling prey to a phisher’s schemes. Phishing and identity theft are crimes that won’t disappear soon. Scammers will always exist, so staying informed and taking the necessary precautions to safeguard your personal information is crucial. As a freelancer like myself, my advice is to be cautious if someone contacts you, claiming to be a company representative or a potential client. If you’re unsure about their legitimacy, it’s best not to respond. It’s likely a phisher trying to scam you out of your personal and financial information.

If a scammer does manage to get a hold of your personal information, don’t hesitate to act. Contact your bank or other financial institution and report it. Freeze your credit information, and file a report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

I hope the information I have provided in this blog post will be of help to you. If you would like to learn more regarding this matter, I have included a couple of links to sites that should provide more detailed information. Thank you, and be safe out there!

Links https://consumer.ftc.gov

https://www.phishing.org