Protection guide
Spotting a scam in time works better than any antivirus. Here are the signals the professionals use, explained in plain language.
Analyse something suspiciousFour rules that prevent almost everything
Stop. There is no real hurry
Every scam needs you to act without thinking. Waiting ten minutes will never cost you a legitimate opportunity.
Verify through another route
If they text you, call. If they call, open the official app. Never use the contact details inside the message itself.
Codes are never shared
One-time codes, PINs and passwords go to no one: not your bank, not the police, not tech support.
A family safe word
Agree on a secret word at home. If someone calls asking for money in a familiar voice, that word settles it instantly.
The six most common scams
Each card lists the warning signs and the protective steps, aligned with the threats and attacks domains of CompTIA Security+.
Email phishing
Emails that impersonate your bank, a delivery company or a public authority in order to steal your credentials or your money.
Smishing (SMS and WhatsApp)
Text messages with shortened links impersonating banks, postal services or even a relative who has “changed their number”.
Vishing (fraudulent calls)
Calls where someone pretends to be from your bank, tech support or the police. The number you see on screen can be spoofed.
Video deepfakes
Videos where a familiar face or voice has been digitally replaced, widely used in fake investment adverts.
Voice cloning
A few seconds of audio is enough to imitate anyone’s voice. It powers the “child in trouble” scam and fake payment approvals.
Social engineering
The technique behind almost every scam: manipulating the person rather than the machine.
Got something in front of you and not sure whether to trust it?
You don’t have to decide alone. Paste the message or upload the file and IES CyberGuardian App will give you a verdict in seconds.
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