Personalization – from tailored recommendations to customized services – has become an expectation in today’s digital world. However, this very preference for personalized content has opened a door for malicious actors, who exploit trust to orchestrate social engineering attacks. As algorithms cater to your unique preferences, cyber criminals leverage this data-driven intimacy to craft convincing scams.

Scammers increasingly leverage social engineering to craft highly personalized cyber attacks, using publicly available or stolen personal data to build trust and emotionally manipulate victims. By mimicking trusted entities, exploiting shared interests, or referencing specific details about a person’s life, attackers create convincing narratives that lower defenses. Here’s how to recognize social engineering scams and protect yourself against personalized threats.

What is social engineering and how does it work?

Social engineering scams rely on human psychology rather than technical hacking. Scammers pose as someone trustworthy – like a bank, coworker, or even a family member – to lure targets into handing over personal data or downloading malicious software. They’ve also done their research and know how to take advantage of people’s sensitivities. Common tactics include:

• Fear based manipulation: You may receive threatening messages that appear to come from trusted authorities, warning you of legal action, frozen accounts, or other serious consequences.
• Urgency and time pressure: Fraudsters often create a false sense of urgency to rush you into making quick decisions (ie. urging you to provide your banking credentials to prevent your account from closing).
• Irresistible opportunities: Scams may promise exclusive investment opportunities, exclusive deals, unexpected prizes, or high paying jobs.

Social engineering is a common tactic because it works. Human error is predictable, and it’s much cheaper and faster for cyber criminals to manipulate people than it is to try to break through layers of technical security. Carrying out social engineering attacks is also getting easier, as AI can help make the story appear even more legitimate.

Social engineering warning signs to watch out for

Spotting a scam early can save you money, time, and trouble. Keep an eye out for these warning signs:

• Urgent or threatening language: Phrases like “Your account will be closed immediately!” or “You’ve been hacked!” are designed to create panic.
• Unsolicited requests for information: Unexpected emails, phone calls, or messages asking for passwords, account details, or personal data.
• Too-good-to-be-true offers: “You’ve won a $10,000 reward! Click here to claim.” If it sounds unrealistic, it probably is.
• Fake identities or impersonation: Fraudsters posing as trusted entities using fake emails, caller IDs, or websites.
• Poor grammar or branding: Typos, strange logos, or unprofessional email addresses are major red flags.
• Unexpected links or attachments: Emails or text messages with urgent prompts to click suspicious links or download files.

How to avoid social engineering scams

Staying safe is easier than you think by adopting a few smart habits:

• Don’t reply: If you receive a message you think might be a scam, report it, block the sender, and delete the communication.
• Don’t click: Make it a habit to never click on a link or attachment if you can’t confirm with certainty who’s contacting you.
• Never share sensitive info: Never share personal or confidential information – such as birthdays, passwords, or bank details – upfront.
• Scour your socials: Be mindful of what you share online. Take a moment to review your privacy settings and posts, and remove any unnecessary information.
• Verify before you act: Avoid acting out of a sense of urgency or emotion. If an email, text message, or phone call or call seems off, contact the company directly using the number on their official website.

What to do if you’ve been affected by a social engineering scam

Fallen for a scam? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Here’s what to do if you’ve experienced fraud:

1. Report the incident: Notify your bank, credit reporting agencies, and the job platform/company.
2. Scan your devices: If you clicked on a link or attachment, it’s a good idea to run an antivirus scan to check for malicious software.
3. Change your passwords: Update passwords for any accounts that might be compromised.
4. Lock down your credit: If you shared personal information with the scammer, it’s recommended to place a fraud alert on your credit report.
5. Lock or cancel your credit card: If you inadvertently provided the scammer with your credit/debit card information, immediately lock and then cancel your card.
6. Alert others: Warn friends and family so they don’t fall for the same scam.

Social engineering scams thrive on knowing people’s preferences and speaking to their emotions, making it easier to catch them off guard. By staying alert and following these tips, you can stay one step ahead. Remember: When in doubt, slow down and double-check before you act.