Beware of Text Message Scams: Protecting Yourself and Your Company
In today’s digital age, cyberattackers are constantly devising new methods to exploit unsuspecting individuals and organizations. One such method that has been on the rise in recent weeks is text message scams, particularly those targeting companies. Scammers are posing as senior leaders within organizations and sending urgent text messages, tricking employees into carrying out fraudulent activities. To protect yourself and your company from falling victim to these scams, it’s crucial to be aware of the risks and take proactive measures.
Here are some steps you can take to avoid falling into this trap.
Verify the Source:
Verifying the authenticity of a message is crucial, especially if it’s from an unfamiliar number, and claims to be sent by a high-ranking executive of your company. Don’t take it lightly; verify before taking any action. Don’t take any chances—be diligent and always confirm the identity of the sender. This step is essential to ensure the security and integrity of your organization’s information and operations. Instead of responding directly, reach out to the supposed sender through a different channel, such as email. By confirming the receipt and asking for clarification on the requested favor, you can quickly identify whether the message is legitimate or a scam.
Obtain Email Confirmation:
It’s important to always request email confirmation from the sender before executing any tasks mentioned in their texts, even if they don’t involve financial transactions. This simple step will help ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings. Even better, request a video meeting to quickly discuss the task in greater length. Scammers may attempt to pressure you into immediate action by making the situation appear urgent. However, a legitimate senior leader will understand the importance of proper documentation and provide confirmation through official channels.
Be Wary of Financial Requests:
Remember that your company will typically manage all business expenses within the finance department or have an established employee spend management policy. If you receive a text message instructing you to make a purchase on behalf of the company, consider it a red flag. It is highly likely that you have received a scam message, and immediate caution is necessary to protect yourself and your company’s finances.
If you have confirmed that the text message is indeed a scam, it is crucial to take the following steps:
Non-Engagement:
Once you have identified the message as a scam, it is important not to engage with the cyberattacker in any way. Do not respond or acknowledge the message, as any form of communication may encourage further fraudulent activities.
Ignore Urgency:
Scammers often escalate their messages, creating a sense of urgency to manipulate victims into acting quickly. It is vital to recognize this tactic and ignore any subsequent messages or calls from the same number. Blocking the number can also help prevent further contact.
Preserve Evidence:
To aid in any potential investigation, it is essential to gather evidence of the scam. Take screenshots of the text message clearly displaying the phone number and save them as records. This evidence may be required later to help track down the cyberattacker or to support legal action if necessary.
By following these precautionary steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to text message scams. It is important to stay vigilant and educate yourself and your colleagues about the ever-evolving tactics employed by cybercriminals. Regularly updating security protocols, conducting awareness training, and implementing multifactor authentication can also help fortify your company’s defenses against such attacks. Remember, prevention is the key to maintaining the security and integrity of your organization in the digital world.
