Don’t Get Hooked! How to Protect Your Dealership from Phishing Scams

Phishing scams, like bandits waiting to ambush your dealership in the online world, can take many forms. Likewise, each of these scams is designed to take advantage of a specific weakness. After reading this blog, you’ll be more than prepared for any online mischief coming your way. 

First and foremost, the most common type is email phishing. This is where cybercriminals try to bait you with emails that appear as if they’re from a familiar or reliable source. This can seem like your bank or a familiar company. Additionally, these emails often have links to fake websites meant to snag your private information, like your Social Security number, driver’s license, passport, financial accounts, and health insurance..

Then there’s spear phishing, a more personal attack aimed directly at you or your dealership. Attackers gather information about their targets to create convincing messages, making it even tougher to see the deception. 

And for those in charge, there’s whaling, a type of spear phishing targeting higher-ups like CEOs. The goal is to trick them into giving away sensitive information or okaying financial transactions. 

But phishing isn’t limited to your inbox. Smishing uses text messages to try and trick you. It can be even harder to spot a phishing attempt on your phone because of the smaller screen. Hackers can easily hide fake URLs or use character substitutions to trick you. And with more and more people using their phones for work, it’s key to be extra careful. Studies have found that at least 25% of protected devices encountered mobile malware in the last year, with covert programs like Trojans and riskware making up most mobile threats.

Another way they’ll try to get you is through vishing, which involves phone calls from attackers pretending to be someone they’re not. It’s like a digital game of hide-and-seek, where the phishers are always finding new ways to catch you off guard.

We can’t forget about clone phishing, where attackers copy a legitimate email you’ve received before but replace the links or attachments with harmful ones. It’s essentially using familiarity to obtain your trust and then suddenly striking when you least expect it.

And finally, there’s QR code phishing, where cybercriminals use those scannable squares to send you to malicious websites. These codes can appear on flyers, posters, or even email attachments. It’s like a digital Trojan horse, withholding an unpleasant gift for you underneath the guise of something benign and friendly. 

Now, you might be thinking, “Surely my dealership in Contra Costa County isn’t a target?” Well, think again, because phishing scams don’t discriminate. They certainly love to target businesses that aren’t up to speed with their cybersecurity; don’t let that be you. Dealerships, with their valuable customer and financial data, are prime targets. That’s why avoiding phishing scams should be a top priority for you.