A Moment with the Mayor: Be Aware of Phishing

In the past, when someone talked about fishing, it meant trying to catch the big one. Today, “phishing” means something entirely different, and it is something residents need to be aware of.

Phishing is a method used by cybercriminals to trick people into sharing personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. These messages often appear to come from someone you know or a business you trust, with the goal of committing fraud.

Those behind these scams are experienced and convincing. It can be as simple as a phone call with a well-crafted story and a small piece of your personal information to build trust. I want to remind residents not to share credit card information unless they are making a direct purchase with a verified business.

This affects both individuals and businesses. There have been cases where vendors appear to provide updated banking information, resulting in payments being redirected to fraudulent accounts. The RCMP continue to receive reports of schemes leading to financial losses.

Requests for payment using gift cards are almost always a scam. There have also been concerns raised about e-transfers. It is important to confirm who you are sending money to before completing a transfer.

What is important to understand is that today’s scams do not look like scams anymore. These criminals are skilled and convincing. A simple message or phone call, combined with small pieces of personal information, can be enough to gain trust.

Many scams begin with spam. Some messages are sent just to see who will respond or click a link. Once someone engages, more targeted and convincing attempts often follow.

A growing concern is the use of deepfakes, including AI-generated voices, videos, or messages that can imitate coworkers, vendors, or even family members. If something feels off, it is important to pause and verify through a trusted contact.

Phishing scams can take many forms, including emails about updated payment information, fake invoices, messages posing as technical support, or calls requesting payment. They may also appear as text messages about deliveries or urgent issues, often pressuring you to act quickly.

To help protect yourself and your family:

• Do not share passwords. If a login is needed, use the official website or app.
• Legitimate services will reset your password but will not ask for your existing one.
• Secure your phone with a strong password, PIN, or biometrics, and do not share one-time passcodes.
• Back up your data and log out of accounts before taking a device in for repair.
• Be cautious of requests involving gift cards, unusual e-transfers, or changes to payment methods.
• Be mindful of the personal information you share on social media.
• Use multi-factor authentication where possible.

Cybercrime is a business. It relies on urgency, pressure, and trust. Taking a moment to pause, ask questions, and confirm details can make a significant difference in protecting yourself, your loved ones, and our community.

Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers
City of Lloydminster