How to spot and avoid phishing scams

TDS offers customers tips to avoid being a victim of phishing scams

Phishing scams are becoming too common. To protect their accounts, TDS Telecom (TDS®) encourages customers to learn how to spot (and avoid) phishing scams. These scams refer to times when criminals lure individuals into a trap in order to steal money; many of these traps are hidden in emails, websites or phone calls that appear legitimate.

“Phishing scams are aimed at stealing consumer’s personal information, including financial data (e.g., bank account numbers) and online account information like user IDs and passwords,” said Karl Betz, director of Infrastructure, Risk Management & Security at TDS. “It’s important consumers realize what phishing scams look like in order to protect their identity.”

To avoid being a victim of phishing scams, TDS offers these tips:

  • Look at the sender’s email address. Make sure the email address matches the business that is supposedly sending the email. If they don’t match, it is most likely a scam.
  • Spelling and grammar mistakes. An easy way to spot a phishing scam is to look for poor spelling and grammar. If you are receiving an email from a legitimate company, it’s unlikely you’ll find errors.
  • Be cautious of links and/or attachments. If you do not know or trust the sender, do not click the link or open the attachment. In addition, you can hover over links in your email to verify the website matches the link. If the website does not match, there is a chance the link provides cybercriminals with the ability to hack your computer and personal information.
  • Don’t believe the threats. Cybercriminals often use threats such as “your account will be closed if you don’t respond.” Legitimate companies will not threaten to close an account. In addition, legitimate companies, especially those you do business with, already have your personal and financial information.

If you have received fake emails or phone calls, write down the sender or caller’s information and report it to the FTC website.  

For help more information on how to protect your accounts, contact TDS at 888-225-5837 or visit tdstelecom.com.

Media Contact: Ann McGrail, PR Intern | TDS Telecom | (608) 664-5419 | Ann.Mcgrail@tdstelecom.com

TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom/TDS®) delivers high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a mix of small to mid-sized urban, suburban and rural communities throughout the U.S. With 1.1 million connections, TDS’ mission is to create a better world through its communications services. Powered by fiber-optics and new industry-leading technologies, TDS delivers up to 8 Gigabit internet speeds and offers internet-protocol based TV entertainment solutions along with traditional phone services. TDS also offers businesses VoIP advanced communications solutions, dedicated internet service, and data networking services. Visit tdstelecom.com.

TDS Telecom, headquartered in Madison, Wis., employs 3,400 people and is a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. [NYSE: TDS]. Founded in 1969, Telephone and Data Systems provides wireless, broadband, video and voice services to approximately 6 million connections nationwide through its businesses: UScellular and TDS Telecom. Visit tdsinc.com.

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