Social Engineering

Social Engineering Scams

Scams are more prevalent than ever, the key to not getting tricked is understanding the scammers tactics.

What is social engineering?

Social Engineering is the practice of manipulating people into divulging confidential information including bank account information, social security numbers and passwords. It involves exploiting human psychology and tendencies to trust, authority, fear, and curiosity to deceive individuals or organizations.

Social engineering attacks can take various forms and the attacker may impersonate a trustworthy person or entity, create a sense of urgency or fear, or offer a reward or benefit to gain the victim’s trust and compliance.

Avoid being a victim of social engineering scams

Be cautious when you are asked for confidential information via email, text message, social media message, or over the phone. Confidential information includes:

• Social Security Number
• Account numbers
• Usernames & Passwords
• PINs
• Other personal information

Phishing emails and text messages may also include links or attachments containing malicious software designed to infect your computer. Use caution when opening emails, downloading attachments, or clicking on links.

Here are a few additional tips to help keep you safe:

• If you receive a suspicious email, social media message, or text message from someone you know, call them and ask if they sent the message before interacting with it. Their email, social media account, or device may have been compromised, and the message you received may be from a fraudster hoping to steal your personal information.
• Don’t share personal information on social media. Be cautious when answering questions in social media surveys, as these may be designed to glean enough information to guess your passwords or to steal your identity.
• Remember, financial institutions and government agencies will never send an unsolicited email or text message asking for your personal information.

Never provide your online banking credentials or debit or credit card number and PIN to anyone. Never give personal information out on social media.