Catching Scams and Fake News

We are blasted with content every day. From emails to news articles to social media posts, our eyes scan dozens to hundreds of carefully crafted words and images that are made to make you take notice.

But how do we determine which emails or posts are real and which ones are not? Knowing the difference can be tricky, especially in the age of AI.

While we can’t guarantee that you can always know for sure, we do know that slowing down and being objective can help you detect untrustworthy info. Try these tips to spot phony content:

• Unexpected Messages - Seemingly random emails, texts, or DMs should be viewed with skepticism. Especially if they have links or attachments. This is true even if they look like they come from people you know but are sent from the wrong email or phone number.
• Vague Sources - Social media should be checked for the source of the information rather than being trusted without question. Vague sources, such as organizations you’ve never heard of, should be double-checked for accuracy.
• Security Tools - Using proper security tools such as antivirus software, password managers, or auto-updaters can help you filter out the bad stuff heading your way. Some can even spot suspicious websites or scan attachments to find scams or attacks you might have missed.

Taking the time to check a message or post can be the difference that helps you avoid being the victim of a scam or believing a lie. With a dash of patience and care you can increase your chances of staying clear of harm online.