Even without a credit card or checking account, information like your social security number or name and address can be used by thieves to open accounts. Be cautious before giving anyone your personal information ... and never, ever give your information in response to an incoming call or email from a stranger. So how do thieves access your information? Here are the three most popular scams that can leave you broke and hacked if you’re not careful:
PHISHING How it works: You receive an email that looks official and sounds scary (i.e. “your account will be suspended unless you click this link”). The link takes you to a phony website used to trick you into giving your account numbers and passwords. How to protect yourself: Delete suspicious email immediately. Do not click on anything.
VISHING How it works: You receive a pre-recorded phone call asking for your personal information like an account number or Social Security number. The message tries to scare you with something like, “your account will be closed if you don’t respond.” How to protect yourself: Hang up immediately.
SMiShing How it works: You receive a text message that says something like “your account needs to be updated.” If you respond or click on the link, your phone may get hacked, or a virus will be downloaded to your phone, accessing your personal information. How to protect yourself: Delete text messages from unknown senders immediately. Do not click any links.
