This is when a person is tricked into giving away secrets instead of a computer being broken into. It relies on making people make mistakes rather than using technical tools.

The Human Hack

Scammers send emails that look like they are from a real bank or a friend to steal your password. These messages usually contain links to fake websites designed to look real.

Fake Email Tricks

Scammers use text messages to send risky links that can steal your personal data if you tap them. These often look like alerts about a package delivery or a problem with your bank.

Dangerous Text Messages

Attackers call and pretend to be from a government office or a computer support team to get your credit card info. They often use a professional tone to sound like someone you can trust.

Scam Phone Calls

This happens when a scammer researches a specific person to make their fake message feel more personal. They might use your real name or mention your job to lower your guard.

Personalized Cyber Attacks

An attacker makes up a detailed scenario, like being a coworker from another office, to get you to share a password. They build a believable story so you don't think to double-check who they are.

The Fake Story

Scammers try to make you panic by saying your account will be closed immediately unless you act. When people feel rushed, they are much more likely to make a security mistake.

Creating False Urgency

Attackers may pretend to be a high-ranking boss or a police officer to demand that you send money or info. People naturally want to follow rules from those in charge, which scammers exploit.

Using Fake Authority

A scammer offers a free movie download or a gift card to lure you into clicking a bad link. They use your curiosity and desire for free things to get you to install harmful software.

Free Gift Traps

A scammer might offer a helpful service, like fixing a computer bug, in exchange for your login details. They pretend to help you while actually gaining access to your private files.

The Security Trade-Off

Some tricks happen in person, like when someone follows an employee through a locked door without their own key. This allows an unauthorized person to get into a private office.

Sneaking Into Buildings

This involves looking for red flags like bad grammar, weird sender addresses, or generic greetings. Learning these signs helps you spot a fake message before you click on it.

Scanning for Scams

Scammers create websites that look exactly like the real ones but have a slightly different address. Always look closely at the link in the address bar before typing any sensitive info.

Checking Web Addresses

Updating your phone and computer fixes the security holes that scammers use to get in. Regular updates are one of the easiest ways to stay protected from new threats.

Keeping Software Fresh

Attackers look at your public profiles to find details like where you live or who your family members are. They use this information to make their scams feel more legitimate.

Scouring Social Media

If a message makes you feel sudden fear, extreme curiosity, or guilt, it might be a trick. Scammers use these strong emotions to stop you from thinking clearly.

Spotting Unusual Feelings

When you see a scam, using a 'Report' button or telling your tech team helps protect others. Your report can stop the scammer from reaching more people in the future.

What is Social Media Scouring?