Did you know that October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month? With scammers constantly evolving, businesses are a prime target for cyber scams. Whether it’s phishing emails, fake influencer deals, or scammers pretending to be from Google or Facebook, staying informed is crucial. Cyber scams can cost your business time, money, and valuable data. But the good news? By learning to recognize these threats, you can protect your business before it’s too late.
In this post, we’ll cover some of the latest cyber scams to watch out for and share practical tips on how to avoid them. If you believe your business may have been impacted, don’t hesitate to submit a support ticket to our Help Desk, and we’ll help secure your accounts.
What is a Cyber Scam?
Cyber scams involve tricking individuals or businesses into giving up personal information, money, or access to their accounts. These scams can come through emails, fake websites, or even social media messages, often appearing as someone or something familiar.
Scammers frequently:
- Impersonate trusted brands or people
- Use poor spelling or odd email addresses
- Make you feel a sense of urgency to act quickly
Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is. Don’t ignore the red flags. Taking a moment to verify could save you from falling victim and protecting your business from costly mistakes.
7 Common Cyber Scams You Need to Know About
Here are some of the types of cyber scams currently targeting businesses in Canada and beyond. By recognizing these tactics, you can avoid becoming a victim.
1. Impersonating Influencers
As influencer marketing continues to grow, so do the scams around it. Fraudsters create fake profiles, pretending to be influencers offering collaboration opportunities. Once you pay them for a promotion, they disappear. To avoid this, always verify influencer partnerships through official channels and never pay upfront without proper research.
2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Scams
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your accounts, but scammers have found ways to bypass it. One common trick is SIM swapping, where scammers convince your phone carrier to transfer your number to their device. This allows them to receive your 2FA codes and access your accounts. To stay safe, consider using app-based 2FA methods (like Google Authenticator) rather than SMS-based 2FA.
3. Fake Google Reps
Some scammers pose as Google representatives offering to optimize your Google Ads campaigns. They’ll ask for login credentials or try to charge you for services you don’t need. Always check the email address—legit Google reps will only contact you using addresses that end in @google.com. If they don’t, steer clear!
4. Fake Facebook Support
Similarly, scammers impersonate Facebook support, claiming to help with issues like account security or ad performance. They may reach out via email or direct message and request sensitive information. Facebook will never ask for personal details this way, so always be cautious.
5. AI-Generated Scams
As AI advances, there have been recent spikes in how scammers use it to create realistic phishing emails or fake social media profiles. Some even claim to be using AI tech, like GPT, to lure you into giving away personal or business information. Be skeptical of offers or communications that seem too good to be true, especially if they mention AI without much explanation.
6. Fake 5-Star Reviews
Online reviews can greatly influence your business, but not all of them are legitimate. Some businesses pay for fake 5-star reviews to boost their ratings or even to hurt a competitor. Watch for sudden spikes in reviews or similar wording across multiple posts—it could be a red flag.
How to Protect Your Business from Cyber Scams
While no one is completely immune to cyber security scams, there are simple steps you can take to reduce the risk:
- Don’t click on unknown links: If you get an email or message from someone you don’t know, don’t click anything until you’ve confirmed it’s legit.
- Check URLs: Hover over any link to see where it’s really taking you. If the URL looks suspicious, don’t trust it.
- Be cautious with phone calls: Scammers can spoof phone numbers to look like they’re calling from trusted sources. Verify any unexpected calls before sharing info.
- Use reliable antivirus software: Regularly scan your devices with trusted antivirus programs to stay protected.
- Secure your social media accounts: If you suspect your business social media accounts have been compromised, update your passwords immediately and log out of unfamiliar sessions.
Stay One Step Ahead of Cyber Scams
Cyber scams are always evolving, but by staying informed and cautious, you can reduce your risk of falling victim. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to spot and avoid these scams. When in doubt, don’t click, don’t share, and always take a moment to double-check any unexpected communication.
Think You’ve Been Scammed? We Can Help.
If you think your business has been hit by any of these cyber scams, don’t worry. Our IT team is here to help. Submit a support ticket to our Help Desk today, and we’ll work with you to secure your accounts and get your business back on track.
