Essential Tips to Protecting Yourself from Phishing Scams

In today's digital age, staying safe online is crucial, especially when it involves handling sensitive information. One of the more prominent digital threats is known as phishing, a type of cyber-attack that is often used to steal user data, including login credentials and credit card numbers. We are committed to helping our members understand and identify different types of phishing attempts to safeguard their personal information. 

What is Phishing? 

Phishing is a cybercrime in which individuals are contacted by email, telephone, or text message by someone posing as a legitimate institution to lure individuals into providing sensitive data such as personally identifiable information, banking and credit card details, and passwords. The information is then used to access important accounts and can result in identity theft and financial loss. 

Recognizing Phishing Attempts 

Phishing schemes are becoming more sophisticated, making them harder to recognize. However, being aware of the different tactics used can help you avoid falling victim to these scams. 

• Check the Email Address Carefully- Always take a moment to hover over the sender's email address to verify if it matches our official domain: @premieramerica.com, and @emailpremieramerica.com. Fraudsters often create email addresses that appear like ours to trick you. For instance, an email from @PremierAmer1ca.com might look legitimate at first glance, but a closer look reveals discrepancies. This subtle manipulation is a common trick in phishing scams. 
• Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links- If you receive an email that looks unusual or asks for personal information, it's important to be cautious. Never click on links or download attachments from suspect emails as they may contain malicious software designed to steal your personal information or infect your device. 
• Verify Urgent Requests by Email or Phone- Phishers often convey a sense of urgency to prompt a quick response from their targets. If you ever receive an email or call claiming to be from Premier America that pressures you to act quickly, such as confirming your account information or making an immediate payment, take a moment to hang up and call us directly at (800) 772-4000. We can help you verify whether the request is legitimate. 

At Premier America, your security is our top priority. By staying informed about phishing tactics and following these simple guidelines, you can help protect yourself from becoming a victim of cybercrime. Remember, when in doubt, it's always safer to verify the authenticity of any communication by contacting us directly.