Phishing scams offering prizes on the rise: 5 ways to protect yourself

Nearly 11 percent of US adults, or 25.6 million people, paid for fraudulent products or services in 2011, according to the FTC

Phishing scams offering prizes on the rise: 5 ways to protect yourself

Nearly 11 percent of US adults, or 25.6 million people, paid for fraudulent products or services in 2011, according to the FTC

More people are falling victim to "prize scams," the Federal Trade Commission warned Friday. Prize scams involve the use of phishing emails, text messages or phone calls to dupe unsuspecting recipients into handing over money or personal information.Here's how it works:Scammers contact victims to let them know they've won a prize. The catch - there's a hefty "tax,' "shipping/handling charge," or "processing fee" that must first be paid. Or, "winners" are asked to wire money to insure prize delivery.Criminals are even posing as reputable companies to trick victims into believing they're legit, using contact information like authentic mailing addresses and phone numbers.How can you protect yourself? Cybersecurity expert and author Joseph Steinberg provided us with some tips. 1. Never let your guard down"The best way to spot a phishing email is to understand that you are a target, and treat every email as suspicious," Steinberg told us Friday. "When a computer displays an email, and tells you that someone sent you a message, treat that situation the same way you would if a human told you that another person said that you should do something – that is, with more suspicion than if you heard the message directly from the person giving the instructions." 2. Verify the source"If an email asks you to do something that could potentially have harmful consequences, always verify that the instructions are legitimate," Steinberg advised. "So, if an email says to reset your password for a bank account – call the bank using the number on your ATM card. If an email says to take some action at work, like issue a payment to a vendor, or submit a copy of your work ID, always call the sender."3. Guard social media accountsFraudsters are using social media more frequently to obtain information about their victims."Do not overshare information," Steinberg said. "Criminals craft effective spear phishing emails by leveraging such information to convince their victims that a message must be legitimate."4. Look for red flags"For years, 'experts' advised people to spot phishing emails by looking for mistakes – spelling errors, wrong email address for the sender, incorrect formal names of organizations, grammatical mistakes, etc.," Steinberg said. "But, today, many emails are error-free. So while errors are a sign of possible phishing, folks who rely on such clues to always be present may get phished."5. Always monitor financial and credit accountsCheck bank accounts on a regular basis. Write down all financial transactions and ensure they coincide with monthly statements. Finally, don't neglect any online payment portals you use, like PayPal, Venmo, Facebook and eBay.

More people are falling victim to "prize scams," the . Prize scams involve the use of phishing emails, text messages or phone calls to dupe unsuspecting recipients into handing over money or personal information.

Here's how it works:

Scammers contact victims to let them know they've won a prize. The catch - there's a hefty "tax,' "shipping/handling charge," or "processing fee" that must first be paid. Or, "winners" are asked to wire money to insure prize delivery.

Criminals are even posing as reputable companies to trick victims into believing they're legit, using contact information like authentic mailing addresses and phone numbers.

How can you protect yourself? Cybersecurity expert and provided us with some tips.

1. Never let your guard down

"The best way to spot a phishing email is to understand that you are a target, and treat every email as suspicious," Steinberg told us Friday. "When a computer displays an email, and tells you that someone sent you a message, treat that situation the same way you would if a human told you that another person said that you should do something – that is, with more suspicion than if you heard the message directly from the person giving the instructions."

2. Verify the source

"If an email asks you to do something that could potentially have harmful consequences, always verify that the instructions are legitimate," Steinberg advised. "So, if an email says to reset your password for a bank account – call the bank using the number on your ATM card. If an email says to take some action at work, like issue a payment to a vendor, or submit a copy of your work ID, always call the sender."

3. Guard social media accounts

Fraudsters are using social media more frequently to obtain information about their victims.

"Do not overshare information," Steinberg said. "Criminals craft effective spear phishing emails by leveraging such information to convince their victims that a message must be legitimate."

4. Look for red flags

"For years, 'experts' advised people to spot phishing emails by looking for mistakes – spelling errors, wrong email address for the sender, incorrect formal names of organizations, grammatical mistakes, etc.," Steinberg said. "But, today, many emails are error-free. So while errors are a sign of possible phishing, folks who rely on such clues to always be present may get phished."

5. Always monitor financial and credit accounts

Check bank accounts on a regular basis. Write down all financial transactions and ensure they coincide with monthly statements. Finally, don't neglect any online payment portals you use, like PayPal, Venmo, and eBay.

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