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Information Security Tips (February 2023) – Know social engineering and beware of phone scams

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In recent years, we have heard frequent warnings to beware of scams through various channels, but phone scams continue to happen. In fact, scammers use “social engineering” to obtain personal information, sensitive data, or conduct fraud. Social engineering is the use of psychology and interpersonal relationship skills to exploit human emotions such as curiosity, fear, and trust. Scammers often impersonate others, such as bank clerks, police, government officials, or court personnel, or pretend to be relatives or friends, to trick victims into providing personal information or transferring money, in order to achieve illegal profits.

To prevent to be the victim of the phone scams, here are some tips:

  • Stay alert: Scammers will use the above techniques to impersonate others to commit fraud. Therefore, don’t easily trust the identity of the caller and verify their identity through official channels.
  • Pay attention to language expressions: Fraud calls often threaten or intimidate victims. Stay calm and pay attention to the caller’s language and accent. If there is any question, you may discuss with family and friends or seek help from relevant institutions.
  • Do not disclose personal information easily: Just as “don’t flaunt your wealth,” personal information should also be kept confidential, such as bank card numbers, passwords, and ID numbers. If you need to provide such information, do this through secure and reliable methods.
  • Do not easily transfer the money: When a call related to funds is received, do not easily transfer the money. Verify the identity and information of the caller through official channels and ensure the security of the transaction.
  • Enhance security awareness: Pay more attention to security information and enhance your ability to identify and prevent fraud. If you notice any suspicious activity, contact the authorities to prevent being scammed.
  • Share security information with family members: It is also important to increase the security awareness of the family members, as scammers may use social engineering techniques to deceive or trick them into revealing personal information. Scammers may also use this information to impersonate a family member and carry out fraud activities.

In conclusion, preventing phone scam requires sharp vigilance, enhancing security awareness, not easily disclosing personal information or transferring money, and verifying the identity and information of the caller through official channels. Be cautious about anything about funds, in order to prevent losses.