Phishing: Understanding Scams

The digital age brings with it convenience but also challenges. One of the most difficult and increasingly common challenges is phishing attempts. Phishing stands as a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of online threats that seek to exploit the trust and goodwill that bind us together. As we navigate these digital waters, it is crucial that we equip ourselves with the knowledge to protect ourselves.

We’ve all heard the stories, and some of us may have experienced significant financial loss due to phishing scams. Whether it is the story of an entire business being infected by a suspicious email or a family member falling prey to a seemingly legitimate phone call, phishing is becoming more prevalent and more difficult to spot.   

Phishing is a practice where scammers masquerade as trustworthy entities, using emails, social media, phone calls, or text messages to trick individuals into divulging personal information, like passwords, credit card numbers, and social security details. These attempts are designed to exploit our trust, using familiar logos, language, and even our contacts’ names to lower our guard. And for those of us in the later years of life, the digital world can sometimes feel dangerous. This, unfortunately, makes the older generations prime targets for these modern-day scammers. Scammers bank on potentially limited digital literacy, the innate trust in written communication, and perhaps the unfamiliarity with the telltale signs of bold deceit.

The best defense against phishing is to recognize the lure that the scammer is using. Among the most common lures are unexpected requests for information. These messages are cloaked in the semblance of urgency or alarm and claim to originate from institutions we trust—our banks, healthcare providers, utility services, and even Bishop Susan. They may assert that immediate action is required to resolve a problem. This tactic preys on our fears, hoping we’ll act hastily without scrutinizing the request’s authenticity.

Scammers also employ subtler methods, like misleading links and email addresses that bear a striking resemblance to trusted organizations. These faux email addresses and links are created with care–incorporating minor alterations that can easily go unnoticed at a cursory glance. Before engaging with any hyperlink or responding to a suspicious email, take a moment to pause and inspect the sender’s address and hover over links to preview their true destination can reveal the deceit lying beneath the surface. This precautionary step ensures that we do not step into a digital trap.

The presence of spelling and grammar errors in communications pretending to be from professional organizations serves as a telltale sign of phishing attempts. Legitimate entities maintain a standard of communication that reflects their professionalism, making such errors uncommon in official emails. Messages littered with mistakes should raise immediate suspicions.  Often these emails have attachments. The rule of thumb with unsolicited attachments is simple: if you weren’t expecting it, don’t open it. Confirming the sender’s identity and the attachment’s legitimacy through direct, secure channels can prevent the dire consequences of malware infection.

Our faith calls us to support our community, and in the 21st century, that call extends into the digital world. We are tasked not only with safeguarding our personal information but also with nurturing an environment of awareness and support. By educating ourselves and each other, we can protect everyone from the waves of phishing attempts, ensuring that our digital journey is as fulfilling and safe as our spiritual one.

Here are some steps we can take to safeguard ourselves and our loved ones:

1. Educate and Engage: Share knowledge about phishing and its signs. Discussing these topics at our gatherings, be it during services or social events, can raise awareness and foster a culture of mutual care.
2. Use Technology Wisely: Employ spam filters, antivirus software, and keep your computer’s operating system up to date. These tools act as our digital shields, guarding against deceit.
3. Verify Independently: If a message or call raises suspicions, verify its authenticity through independent means. Contact the supposed sender directly using contact information obtained from official websites or documents, not the contact details provided in the suspicious message.
4. Practice Caution with Personal Information: Be judicious about the information you share online. Regularly review privacy settings on social media and think twice before sharing personal details or family photos, which could be used to craft targeted scams.

In this era of digital communication, let’s remember to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:32). Let this spirit guide us in supporting each other, not just in face-to-face interactions but in every email, every click, and every call. Together, we can navigate these digital waters, preserving the warmth and integrity of our community, ensuring that even in the vastness of the internet, we remain a beacon of faith, hope, and love. 

Find out more about preventing and responding to phishing attempts at www.edsd.org/phishing.