If your phone rings and you don’t recognize the number, what do you do? Or maybe you receive a text asking you to click a link to verify your bank accounts. Should you? Learn some cyber safety tips to help you avoid being the victim of a scam.

Phone calls

A scammer might call saying they are the IRS and need information or that your bills are overdue. Each call is designed to trick you into acting quickly and without thinking.

When you don’t recognize a phone number

• don’t answer the call and
• let it go to voicemail.

If the caller leaves a message that seems out of the ordinary

• delete it
• block the number and
• don’t call the number back.

A new way for scammers to trick you is by using artificial intelligence to clone a loved one’s voice which they use to call you and try to trick you out of money. Don’t fall for it!

Text messages

Scamming through texts has never been more prevalent, so you must be more vigilant. When scammers text you, they will most likely include links to websites they use to access your personal information or install ransomware on your device.

Don’t click on a text from an unknown number — claiming to be your financial institution, credit card company or other reputable institution — asking you to use the link they provided. Instead, call or go to the company’s official website or app to check for messages. Protect your mobile device software updated to keep your information and privacy.