Cyber Awareness

Trust, but verify. Deepfake scams can mimic familiar faces to deceive.

Deepfake scams use AI to mimic trusted individuals, such as executives or IT staff, to trick employees into executing malicious actions. Be cautious of video calls or messages requesting sensitive actions. Look for glitches or inconsistencies in the audio or visuals and verify requests through secondary channels.

Prompted to update your software from a notification? Verify first, it could be ransomware in disguise.

Be cautious of notifications urging you to update software or applications, as they might lead to installing ransomware disguised as legitimate updates. Always ensure updates are from verified sources, such as directly through the software’s official site or through secure app stores. Never click on update links from pop-up notifications or emails without verifying their authenticity.

Received a QR code in an SMS? Double-check before you scan, it might be a scam.

Smishing scams now use QR codes sent through SMS, claiming to be from trusted sources. These QR codes can lead to phishing sites or initiate malware downloads. Always exercise caution before scanning QR codes from unknown origins. Verify the sender’s authenticity and remember that legitimate organizations rarely send unsolicited requests for sensitive information via SMS.

Why do cybercriminals love fishing with QR codes? Because they catch the best ‘phish’ without getting wet!

Scanning a QR code? Double-check where it leads, or you might fall into a phishing net.

QR codes can be a gateway to phishing sites, masquerading as legitimate services, banks, or government agencies, to steal personal information or login credentials. Exercise caution when scanning QR codes, especially those from unknown sources. Verify the authenticity of the site you’re directed to and never input personal information on suspicious pages.

Tax Season:: SSN suspension call? It’s a scam. Hang up, don’t pay up.

Be wary of contacts claiming your Social Security number will be suspended due to unpaid taxes. This scare tactic is designed to pressure you into revealing personal information or making a payment. Remember, the Social Security Administration does not suspend numbers or demand payments over the phone or via email.

Tax Season:: When paying taxes online, ensure the site is legit, or your details might take a hit.

Scammers create fake tax payment websites that mimic official ones to steal your payment info. Always check the URL carefully and ensure it’s the legitimate tax authority site before entering any details. Look for secure connection indicators, like HTTPS and the padlock icon in the address bar.

Message from the government asking for info? Double-check before you act!

Why did the scammer fail at impersonating the government? He couldn’t pass the bill for authenticity!

Be alert for messages claiming to be from government agencies about taxes, fines, or health alerts. These scams ask for personal details or direct you to fraudulent websites. Always verify the authenticity of such messages by contacting the agency directly through official means. Don’t be fooled by official-looking logos or authoritative language.

Got a bank alert asking for info? Verify first, it might be a phishing attempt.

Fake account alert scams involve messages that appear to be from banks or financial institutions, falsely claiming there’s an issue with your account. They often urge you to provide login credentials or personal details. Be cautious of such messages and never respond with sensitive information. Instead, contact your financial institution directly through official channels to verify any account issues.

Unknown caller asking for remote access? It’s a no-go, likely a scam.

Remote access scams involve scammers tricking victims into allowing control of their computers, ostensibly to resolve an issue. Once access is granted, scammers can install malware, steal sensitive data, or lock the computer for ransom. Be extremely wary of unsolicited calls or messages asking for remote access. Never allow remote control to unknown individuals, and always verify the identity of tech support through official channels.

New friend on social media? Be cautious, they might be after your info.

On social media, attackers may create fake profiles to befriend targets and gain their trust. Over time, they manipulate the conversation to extract personal or confidential information. Always be cautious about accepting friend requests from strangers and be skeptical of sharing sensitive information online, even with people you consider friends. Review the privacy settings of your social media accounts regularly and keep your personal details private.

Ignore scary pop-ups asking to call a number—it’s a classic scam.



Pop-up warning scams are a form of tech support fraud that often display alarming messages about viruses or security threats on your computer. They may mimic legitimate security software and typically include a phone number for “help.” Remember, real security software doesn’t ask you to call a number. If in doubt, don’t click on anything in the pop-up and don’t call the number. Instead, close the window and run a security scan using trusted software.

Got a fraud alert? Stay calm, don’t share info, and verify with your bank.



Scammers use fake alerts about fraudulent activity on your account to induce panic. They bait you into contacting a ‘bank official’ who is actually a scammer. If you receive such alerts, take a moment to calm down. Do not provide any banking details over the phone or email. Always verify by contacting your bank through their official customer service channels.