You Need to Be Able to Spot Scams Before They Sink You

The Internet is a fantastic place to shop, connect, and learn, but people also have to deal with the minefield of scams—especially in 2025, where opportunists are getting even craftier with AI and other high-tech tricks. This month, we take a look at four simple ways you can spot an Internet scam before it drains your wallet or your personal data.

Check the URL and Look for Secure Connections

One of the first things to do is always check the website’s URL. Scam sites often use URLs that look almost identical to the real deal but might have subtle misspellings or weird characters. Look for that little padlock icon and make sure the site starts with “https://” instead of “http://.” This tells you that your connection is encrypted and generally more secure. If something feels off with the URL, it’s a good idea to exit the page immediately.

Be Wary of Urgent or Pushy Language

Ever received an email or text message that screams “Act Fast!” or “Urgent!”? Scammers love to pressure you into making snap decisions without a second thought. They use these tactics to prevent you from taking a step back and really checking if the offer is legit. If you’re being rushed to click a link or send money, that’s a huge red flag. Take a deep breath and give yourself a minute to verify the details before you do anything.

Verify the Source of Correspondence

If you get a message from a bank, government agency, or even a friend that seems a bit out of the ordinary, don’t just reply directly to that email or message. Instead, open a new browser window and navigate to the official website or call the official phone number you already have on file. This extra step helps ensure you’re really communicating with the legit organization and not a scammer posing as one.

Question Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True

When an offer sounds unbelievably amazing—like scoring a luxury item for half the price or landing an incredible investment opportunity with little to no risk—it’s time to pause and question it. Also, scammers often use overly generous offers to lure in unsuspecting victims. Do a quick search to see if others are talking about the same deal or if it’s been flagged as a scam online. If the deal is real, you’ll usually find some solid, reputable sources backing it up.

These four tips can help you reduce your chances of losing data or having your accounts compromised by hackers. To have a cybersecurity conversation about your business, give Preferred a call today at 708-781-7110.