Five Ways to Beat the Scammers
If it feels like scammers are everywhere, it’s largely because they are. Every day, they’re cooking up new ways to trick people into giving up money, data, or access to their accounts. One of the biggest problems we run into is that we’re bombarded with so many scam warnings that we start tuning them out. That’s called threat fatigue, the phenomenon when you get so tired of hearing about security risks that you stop paying attention. That’s exactly what scammers want.
Unfortunately, ignoring scams isn’t an option. It won’t make them just disappear. If anything, it makes it easier for scammers to win. That’s why it’s crucial to stay sharp. Let’s talk about why avoiding scams matters and how to train yourself to spot and stop them before they cause damage.
Why Actively Avoiding Scams Matters
Falling for a scam isn’t just embarrassing, it can have real consequences. A single click on a bad link can lead to identity theft, drained bank accounts, or malware that locks you out of your own computer (or worse yet, spreads to your entire business network). For businesses, a scam can mean losing sensitive data or even getting hit with a ransomware attack. No one is too smart or too careful to be targeted and scammers play the numbers game, and they only need one weak moment to strike.
Four Ways to Train Yourself to Avoid Scams
Let’s go through four ways to avoid being the victim of scams online:
Stay Skeptical, Always
Scammers love to create panic. Panic results in people making impulsive decisions and taking action in ways that dig their hole a little deeper. Whether it’s an email saying your bank account is locked or a text claiming you’ve won a prize, urgency is their best tool. Slow down and think before you act. If something feels rushed, take a step back and verify it through official channels.
Train Your Eye for Red Flags
Scams often have telltale signs: weird email addresses, poor grammar, or generic greetings that no official correspondence would have. If a message asks for personal info or payment in an unusual way, that’s a massive red flag. Training yourself to recognize these patterns can save you a lot of trouble.
Use Multi-Step Verification
Even if a scammer gets your password, they shouldn’t be able to waltz into your accounts. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security, making it much harder for bad actors to gain access. Always enable 2FA where possible, especially for banking, email, and work accounts.
Practice Pause and Verify
Before clicking on a link, downloading an attachment, or sending personal information, take a moment to verify. Look up the company’s contact info separately, call their official number, or check their website. A few extra seconds of caution can save you from hours of financial and emotional stress.
Stay Vigilant, Stay Safe
Scammers rely on people letting their guard down. They hope you’re too distracted, too rushed, or too exhausted to notice their tricks. Beating threat fatigue means staying alert, questioning anything that seems off, and building habits that make you a tough target. It’s not about being paranoid; it’s about being prepared.
We Can Help
Give the IT professionals at White Mountain IT Services a call to talk about some of the resources you can use to fight the myriad of scams that plague modern computing. Give us a call at (603) 889-0800 to learn more.
