{"id":297338,"date":"2025-10-06T11:00:43","date_gmt":"2025-10-05T23:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.reckon.com\/au\/?p=297338"},"modified":"2025-10-15T12:07:36","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T00:07:36","slug":"cybersecurity-scams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reckon.com\/au\/blog\/cybersecurity-scams\/","title":{"rendered":"How to spot a cyber scam: A guide for small businesses"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.23″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ module_class=”table-contents” _builder_version=”4.23″ background_color=”#f3f2f6″ custom_padding=”25px||25px||true|false” sticky_position=”top” sticky_limit_bottom=”section” sticky_position_tablet=”top” sticky_position_phone=”none” sticky_position_last_edited=”on|desktop” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ border_radii=”on|24px|24px|24px|24px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23″ text_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}” background__hover_enabled=”on|desktop”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ header_2_font_size=”32px” hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_2_font_size_phone=”26px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Discerning between what is and isn\u2019t a scam these days is getting harder and harder, as cybercriminals refine their tactics and leverage\/use AI. Using cybersecurity tools and methods<\/a> will only get you so far; you need to know when you’re getting scammed or when something is legitimate.<\/p>\n

To protect your business, let\u2019s look at ways scammers try to trick you and get access to your information and accounts.<\/p>\n

Phishing Vs Spear Phishing<\/h2>\n

When encountering cyber scams, you will hear a lot about phishing or spear phishing. These terms are used to specify the scope of a cybercrime<\/a>, whether it is a broad opportunistic attack or targeted against a specific individual.<\/p>\n

Phishing scams<\/h3>\n

A phishing scam is a trap used by cybercriminals with no specific target in mind. A \u2018wide net\u2019 is used to lure a group of people, and isn\u2019t particularly sophisticated in approach. While it has a lower success rate, phishing scams are often employed by cybercriminals due to the large number of people they target. For scammers, phishing tactics are a numbers game; the more people they target, the bigger pool of unsuspecting victims they\u2019ll capture. It only takes one misclick to succeed.<\/p>\n

Phishing characteristics:<\/h4>\n
    \n
  • Goal:<\/strong> Target a large group of people to increase the odds of success (unspecified)<\/li>\n
  • Method:<\/strong> Use a range of messaging platforms (email, phone, sms, social media) and impersonate a legitimate source (government and businesses)<\/li>\n
  • Success rates:<\/strong> low success rate, but due to a large number of targets a significant number of people can fall victim.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Spear phishing scams<\/h3>\n

    Spear phishing attacks are tactics used to target a specific individual or organisation. These scams are more sophisticated in approach since the scammer, in most cases, has researched their target.<\/p>\n

    Spear phishing characteristics:<\/h4>\n
      \n
    • Goal:<\/strong> target scam directed toward a specific individual or business\/organisation<\/li>\n
    • Method:<\/strong> Scammers typically use multiple forms of communication to impersonate a supplier or coworker, gaining further access to a company or requesting money.<\/li>\n
    • Success rates:<\/strong> High success rates are achieved as targets are specified and information is more detailed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Social engineering<\/h2>\n

       <\/p>\n

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