I got a text about a parcel, a tax refund or a benefit

The classic one. Let’s read it together, line by line.

2 minutes8 steps in total

Tick as you go, it stays on your device, even if you close the tab.

RIGHT NOW2 min

Do not tap. Read the link address up to the last dot.The real site name is what comes immediately before the “.fr” or “.com”. In “colissimo-suivi.fr.info”, the real site is “fr.info”, not Colissimo.Spot the two levers: a tiny amount, and a short deadline.A couple of euros so you do not stop to think, forty-eight hours so you do not ask anyone. No public administration works like that.Check through your own route, never through the link you received.Open the app or type the address yourself. If the parcel exists you will see it; if not, you have your answer.

STRAIGHT AFTER3 min

Report the text to 33700 (France).Official French service. Forward the message to 33700, then send the sender’s number when prompted. Free, and it gets the line shut down.The 33700 service Delete the message and block the number.A number used once gets used again. Blocking takes two taps from the conversation.

IF YOU DID TAP6 min

If you only opened the page: no harm done, close it.Opening a page steals nothing. The trap closes the moment you type something in.If you entered your card: go to “my card has been charged”.Do not wait for the charge. Freezing the card now takes two minutes.My card has been charged If you entered a password: change it now, everywhere it was used.That is the real damage. A stolen password will be tried on your mailbox before the day is out.

In the book : ch. 13 · p. 190

So it does not happen again

The roadmap actions that treat the cause, not the symptom.

Recognize email phishingPhishing blasts out emails that look like they come from a trusted source, a bank or an online service, to lure you into entering your credentials or card number on a fraudulent site. The fake "account locked" notice demanding immediate action is the classic example.5 min Build critical thinking and friendly skepticismBehind every cyberattack are humans manipulating other humans: nearly 90% of attacks rely on some form of social engineering. Always question unusual requests and offers that seem too good, while staying courteous, that is your best defense.En continu

Something else worrying you?

Related areas : Phishing & scams · Social engineering

Someone is impersonating meFake profile, messages to your circle, cloned voice.10 minutes All situations

You have done everything. It is out.

So it does not happen again

Something else worrying you?