Phishing refers to fraudulent attempts to get personal information from you. Scammers use any means they can—spoofed emails and texts, misleading pop-up ads, fake downloads, calendar spam, even phony phone calls—to trick you into sharing information, such as your ComCanaria User ID password or credit card numbers.

If you get a suspicious email or message

Scammers try to copy email and text messages from legitimate companies to trick you into giving them your personal information and passwords. These signs can help you identify scams:

• The sender’s email or phone doesn’t match the name of the company that it claims to be from.
• The email or phone they used to contact you is different from the one that you gave that company.
• A link in a message looks right, but the URL doesn’t match the company’s website.*
• The message looks significantly different from other messages that you’ve received from the company.
• The message requests personal information, like a credit card number or account password.
• The message is unsolicited and contains an attachment.

Your web browser displays annoying pop-ups

While exploring the web, if you see a pop-up or alert that offers you a free prize or warns you about a problem with your device, don’t believe it. These types of pop-ups are usually fraudulent advertisements, designed to trick you into giving the scammer personal information or money. Don’t call the number or follow the links to claim the prize or fix the problem. Ignore the message and simply navigate away from the page or close the entire window or tab.

You’re prompted to download software

Use extreme caution if you download content from the internet. Some downloads found on the internet may not contain the software they claim to, or may contain software that you didn’t expect or want. This includes apps that ask to install configuration profiles that can then control your device. If installed, unknown or unwanted software may become intrusive and annoying and could even damage your PC/Mac/Mobile Device and steal your data.

ComCanaria Security Team Tips

In general, never share personal information like credit card numbers, unless you can verify the recipient is who they claim to be.
Don’t follow links or open or save attachments in suspicious or unsolicited messages.
If you have any doubts about a request or communication, or even if you if you just need to update your information with a company, contact that company directly.