Don’t Get Hooked: How to Spot and Avoid Scams Targeting Your Internet & Phone

Scammers are getting smarter, but so are we! During National Consumer Protection Week (March 3-9), we want to help you stay one step ahead of fraudsters. Whether it’s phishing emails, fake tech support calls, or too-good-to-be-true offers, knowing what to look for can protect your personal information and your wallet.

Common Scams to Watch Out For

🔹 Tech Support Scams – A pop-up or call claims your computer has a virus and asks for remote access or payment. Don’t fall for it! Legitimate companies like Microsoft or Apple will never contact you this way.

🔹 Phishing Emails & Texts – You get an email or text from what looks like your bank, ISP, or even Bijou Telco, asking you to click a link and enter personal info. Look for red flags like urgent language, misspellings, and unfamiliar sender addresses.

🔹 Fake Internet & Cable Discounts – A scammer poses as your internet provider offering a special deal—but they need your credit card info upfront. Always verify offers directly with your provider (like us!) before making payments.

🔹 Grandparent & Impersonation Scams – Someone pretends to be a family member in trouble, often asking for money via gift cards or wire transfers. Always verify their identity before sending funds.

How to Protect Yourself

✅ Be Skeptical – If something feels off, trust your gut. Scammers rely on urgency to make you act without thinking.

✅ Verify Before You Click – Hover over links in emails to see the real URL. If it doesn’t match the sender, don’t click!

✅ Never Share Personal Information – Legitimate businesses won’t ask for passwords or financial details over the phone or via email.

✅ Use Strong Passwords & Multi-Factor Authentication – This adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts.

✅ Report Scams – If you suspect a scam, report it to the FTC (ftc.gov), your bank, or your internet provider.

At Bijou, your security is our priority. If you ever receive a suspicious message claiming to be from us, give us a call directly—we’re happy to help verify it!

🛡️ Stay safe, stay informed, and don’t let scammers win!