We frequently get asked about scams—whether through email, phone calls, or claims from supposed "Google representatives." These scams can involve threats about domain names, banking, or other services. Unfortunately, the tactics are getting more sophisticated, and we see this all the time in the digital world. Here are a few tips to help you avoid these scams and some general guidelines for handling suspicious calls or emails.
Email Safety
Avoid opening every email in your inbox without caution. Many people unknowingly open emails that could lead to unwanted consequences, such as being added to spam lists. Before opening any email, check the sender’s email address by right-clicking the subject and viewing the sender’s details. For example, if you receive an email titled “Overdue PayPal charge of $550,” ensure it's from an official address like example@paypal.com. If it’s something like paypal@scamname123456.com, delete it immediately without opening. If you've already opened it, avoid clicking any links or downloading attachments.
Phone and Email Scams
When you receive an unexpected message or call, ask yourself: Do I recognize this company or bank? Is there a legitimate reason for them to contact me? If it seems out of the blue, it’s likely spam or a scam.
Important: Google will never call you to set up services like Amazon Alexa or Google My Business. You can handle those yourself or ask a trusted marketing company (like us) to assist. If you decide to respond to a call or email, see if they ask for personal or financial information upfront—this is a major red flag. Never share any information until you fully understand the situation and have verified the legitimacy of the sender or caller.
General Best Practices
Always verify the identity of a caller or sender before taking action. Legitimate organizations will never ask for sensitive information (e.g., passwords, Social Security numbers) through phone or email without proper verification. If in doubt, contact the company directly using official contact details from their website, not the information provided in the suspicious message.
Stay vigilant, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.
Scott, Forcefield Design
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