The town of Royalton, New York is experiencing a surge in phishing scams, according to a study by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). In 2023, the BBB received 9,288 reports of scams, up from 5,076 in the previous year.
One local business that fell victim to a phishing scam was Performance Manufacturing Corporation. The company received invoices for parts they never ordered, totaling $1,400. The invoices claimed the parts were ordered over the phone but there were no records of such conversations at Performance Manufacturing Corporation. After realizing the scam, the company changed its invoice policy.
The increase in scams can be attributed to advancements in AI technology that make it easier for scammers to impersonate companies through emails, text messages or phone calls. Since 2021, there have been over 23,000 reported phishing scams alone, with various forms including vishing and smishing attacks.
Phishing scams involve sending malicious links and documents via email from fake companies or individuals pretending to be reputable ones. Vishing scams occur over the phone with callers posing as law enforcement or government officials. Smishing involves text messages aimed at getting recipients to click on fake links related to false orders or subscriptions. Malware attacks can manifest as pop-ups on computers that trick users into initiating fake tech support.
To protect themselves from falling victim to phishing scams, individuals should avoid clicking on unfamiliar links or pop-ups and ignore any suspicious calls or texts they receive. Staying vigilant and informed about potential threats is crucial in preventing financial losses and data breaches
