How to Identify Scams: First Steps for Suspicious Messages & Online Security

The most crucial initial action when you receive an unsolicited or unexpected communication, such as a suspicious email, a strange text message, a social media direct message, or an unverified call, and you are unsure of its legitimacy, is to immediately stop all direct engagement with that specific message. This means you must absolutely avoid clicking on any links embedded within the communication, as these could lead to malicious websites or phishing attempts designed to steal your personal information. Furthermore, do not download any attachments, as they often contain malware or viruses that can compromise your digital security. You should also refrain from replying to the sender or calling back any phone numbers provided in the suspicious message, as this confirms your active status to scammers and can lead to further unsolicited contact or vishing attempts. This critical first step helps prevent you from inadvertently compromising your sensitive data or exposing your devices to cybersecurity threats. Instead of interacting with the suspicious message directly, always independently verify the sender’s identity and the message’s authenticity through official, trusted channels. For example, if the message claims to be from your bank or a known service, manually navigate to their official website by typing the address directly into your browser, or use a customer service number you know is legitimate from their official site, rather than relying on any contact information provided in the suspicious communication itself. This proactive approach is fundamental for online safety and effective scam prevention.