The Consumer Protection Bureau of the Attorney General’s Office has issued an official advisory about phishing scams.
Phishing is a fraudulent practice where scammers impersonate legitimate organizations via email, text, or phone to mislead or trick you into revealing sensitive information like passwords, social security numbers, and/or bank details.
The Consumer Protection Bureau offers the following advice so you don’t fall victim to phishing scams.
- Verify the Source: Scrutinize the sender’s e-mail address or phone number. Legitimate agencies and companies use official domains.
• Recognize Pressure Tactics: Be extremely cautious of messages creating a false sense of urgency, threatening consequences, or offering unexpected rewards
• Do Not Click Directly: Never click on links or open attachments from unsolicited or suspicious messages. Navigate to websites directly by typing the official URL or website address into your browser.
• Guard Your Information: No government agency or reputable business will ever unexpectedly e-mail or call to demand sensitive personal information or payment.
If you suspect a phishing attempt:
- Do Not Respond.
- Do Not Click Any Links or Download Attachments.
- Report It: Forward the suspicious e-mail to your local IT support staff or contact the Department of Homeland Security at dhsict@asdhs.as.gov or at (684) 699-3800 Ext. 1018 for more information. Also, report it to the organization being impersonated.
- Delete the Message.
For more information on your rights or to file a formal complaint, visit the official website of the Attorney General’s Office: www.legalaffairs.as.gov.
