How To Spot A Fake Security Alert: 4 Main Types Of Frauds 

How To Spot A Fake Security Alert

You might have heard about the fake warning alerts that users can find on their devices. This is a widespread notion for users these days. The hacking attacks have become more sophisticated and can now look like original notifications. For this reason, you should know how to recognize fraud alerts either on your phone or laptop. 

4 Types Of Fake Security Alerts You Must Know About 

Frauds learned how to create messages similar to the original alerts. Personal data of the users made it possible to recreate the information in the messages and make them look identical to the original. The level of similarity is high enough to not be able to distinguish whether the message is unique or not at the first sight. 

Google Critical Security Alert

This is a genuine type of message that you receive from the official Google account when your page is opened on a new device. You might have noticed these types of alerts because they are common for users. Nevertheless, this type of alert is thought to be an official way of communication and preventing fraud actions. 

But there are frequent cases when the frauds hack the devices using the Google Critical security alert prototype. How does it work and how do I distinguish the fake messages from the original ones? The main information and a well-detailed description can be found on the VeePN website.  

If you want to learn more about the way the alert could be copied and sent to you, it’s better to visit the Google critical security alert section in the blog. Unfortunately, the Google security alert scam cases are more frequent these days. If you fail Google com signins procedures, you may reveal critical data to the frauds. You should read the VeePN blog to prevent such hacking attacks. On the website, you will find the relevant guide to help you counteract fraud. 

Pop-up App Notifications

We all use different apps on our phones, which makes this type of fraud attack especially critical for the users. If you notice the pop-up notification from the application, you should never open it in the following cases. 

  • If the application alerts you about a possible fraud attack or threat to your data. This is a direct sign that the pop-up notification has been crafted to draw necessary personal data from your account or get access to the system using your data. 
  • If you notice a link alert from any of the apps. It’s most likely a fraud alert that you don’t want to open. 

In most cases, such actions notify an interest in your personal data. What might happen if you click on the notification or go to open the link? 

Pop-up Website Alerts 

This is one of the most frequent alerts users can notice on websites. You may have noticed different types of messages appearing on the screen when you surf the web and look for your requests. How does the alert act? There are different ways you can feature the alerts. 

In some cases, you will notice the redirects to other services and websites. If you click the link and get redirected to the random site, you will probably see that your account or access has been hacked. 

If you see typical alerts, you should leave the website and close it immediately. There’s no need to figure out what the problem is and fix it somehow. Your task is to close the web page and never open similar links again. 

 Random Warning and the Start of the Downloading Procedure 

This is the fourth type of alert you should be warned about. You can notice how the phone shows you a random alert and warns you about the danger. A few seconds later, you can notice the downloading process of a random app or server. What should be done in such cases? The procedure is the following: 

  • The first step is to cancel the downloading procedure. You don’t need to wait to see what is supposed to be downloaded to the device. This is the wrong way that will put your data in danger. Your major task is to cancel the process. 
  • Your next step is to close the site you used previously. The notification has been most likely sent from the service you visited last. Hence, you have to close the website and leave it. 
  • There’s another critical step you should perform. Your task is to check if there are any harmful software or viruses installed on the device. Your data could be stolen and system damaged unless you manage the third step. 

These are the main tips you should follow to prevent your device from being hacked. It’s also a nice and effective initiative to send a complaint to the work of the website. It will save other users and help them prevent being hacked. 

Summary 

How to recognize a fake alert message? There are different types of fraud alerts you may be worried about. Some of them are less crucial than others. Your task is to learn what the main types of fake security alerts are. In the article, you find information about the main 4 types of fraud security alerts. More info is in the VeePN blog. There’s well-detailed information about the differences between fake and original alerts.