Have you ever gotten a phone call, text message, or email from an unknown or strange source that looked real? Maybe the caller asked for personal information like your Social Security number or credit card details. Or maybe the message urged you to click a link immediately to resolve a problem—or warned that something terrible would happen if you didn’t act fast.

Welcome to the age of internet scams!

Here are some common types of scams to watch out for:

• Phishing: These scams come in the form of emails, texts, or pop-ups that ask you to verify or update your account. They’re designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information like passwords, Social Security numbers, or banking details.
• Imposter Scams: These messages appear to come from trusted sources—such as government agencies (like the IRS or Social Security), banks, or well-known companies—and demand immediate action. Their goal is to get you to share personal information or make a payment.
• Online Shopping Scams: Fake websites may advertise “once-in-a-lifetime” deals on items that are counterfeit—or don’t exist at all.
• Tech Support Scams: These scams use pop-ups or notifications to falsely claim your device has a virus. They’ll urge you to click a link or pay (often with gift cards) to “fix” the issue, giving scammers access to your personal data.

Protect Yourself with These Tips:

• Use strong, unique passwords for each account—mix letters, numbers, symbols, and phrases—and update them regularly.
• Enable two-factor authentication for an added layer of security (After signing into a website with your password, a verification code is sent to you to confirm your identity).
• Keep your software and devices updated to guard against vulnerabilities.
• Be mindful of how much personal information you share online.
• Think before you click—always verify the sender or website before opening links, downloading attachments, or responding to messages.

And remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

 Join us on Wednesday, October 29 in the Narthex for a special presentation on Cyber Safety by Trooper William C. Butler of the Pennsylvania State Police. Contact the Rectory Office via email at [email protected] or via phone at 215-646-4600 to save your spot.