How to Avoid Social-Engineering Attacks

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Social-engineering attacks use psychology to manipulate their targets into revealing financial information. Techniques use human emotions and instincts to drive people to act against their best interests.

Social-engineering attacks pose as trusted brands government agencies or induce fear and a sense of urgency. But what is social engineering, and how can you avoid its attacks on your finances?

How Social Engineering Works

A social-engineering attack starts with a hacker convincing one under-informed, stressed, or trusting person to do what they say. They identify targets who have confidential information, money or credentials.