Don’t Just Spot a Scam…Report It
Lately, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in phishing emails and online scams targeting businesses and individuals alike. While staying informed is your first line of defense, knowing how to react is just as important as being proactive.
Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics- posing as coworkers, vendors, banks, delivery services, even government agencies. And sometimes, no matter how careful you are, a message might still slip through your filters and catch you off guard.
That’s why it’s critical to know not just how to recognize a scam, but also what to do when you see one.
Step One: Don’t Engage
If you suspect a phishing attempt or scam:
Don’t click on any links or attachments.
Don’t respond to the message.
Don’t forward it to others (unless you’re sending it to your IT/security team).
Step Two: Report It
Reporting fraud helps stop the scam from spreading and protects others, too. Here’s where you can go:
🔹 Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Report any kind of scam, including phishing, impersonation, and business fraud:
👉 reportfraud.ftc.gov
🔹 FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Report more serious internet-based crimes, especially if money or sensitive data was involved:
👉 www.ic3.gov
If you’re part of an organization, be sure to also report it internally- your IT or cybersecurity team may be able to block similar messages or alert others.
Knowledge + Action = Real Protection
Knowing what to look for helps keep you one step ahead of scammers. But knowing what to do next gives you real power.
So yes, keep brushing up on phishing red flags and scam tactics- but also make sure you know where to turn when something suspicious pops up.
And remember: Reporting isn’t just helpful. It’s part of being cyber smart.
