11. We impersonate trustworthy companies
You may get a fake financial warning from your bank or credit card company, order confirmation from a retailer, or social networking invitation.
Outsmart us: Remember, most companies never ask you outright for your account information. You can sometimes spot this type of scam by hovering over the address in the From field or by hitting Reply All and looking for misspellings or strange addresses.
Also, check to see that the email was sent to you and only you. If you’re not sure it’s legit, call the company to check.
12. We debit tiny amounts - at first
Cyberthieves may test-drive a stolen card number by running a small charge under $10 to see if anyone notices.
Outsmart us: Check your transactions online regularly – even daily.
If you spot a charge you don’t recognise, report it immediately to your card issuer.
13. We hacked that ATM you withdrew cash from
Crooks install cleverly disguised “skimmers” to steal your card information, while a hidden camera or a thin skin over the keypad captures your PIN.
Outsmart us: Try to use ATMs inside banks, where it’s tougher for criminals to install these devices, and inspect the machine carefully before you use it.
“Whenever I use an ATM, I give the area where you insert the card a little tug to make sure it’s secure and is really a part of the machine,” Fellini says.