DATCP Warning of Phishing Scams Ahead of April Fool’s Day

For the ultimate tricksters – scammers and identity thieves – April Fools’ Day is just one of 365 chances to rip you off each year. And it is a rare day when they don’t pitch one of their favorite tricks your way: the phishing email. Fake emails, sent to the general public, are a cheap and effective tool for scammers. There are a wide range of phishing email ploys that criminals use to steal money and personal information from unsuspecting consumers or to transmit malicious software to those consumers. Some of the common phishing tactics include using fake shipping emails, fake account closure emails, promises of gift cards, and fake invoices claiming your taxes are past due. Never click a link or open an attachment in an unsolicited email or text message. The best idea is to look up the phone number of the actual business that is claiming to be getting ahold of you, and talk to them directly. If it was a legitimate e-mail, they will let you know.