Alert!

You have reached this page as part of a security test conducted by the City of Westland Department of Innovation and Technology as part of our ongoing security education efforts. The purpose of this test is to ensure that our computers are protected from being compromised by malicious actors. If this test were a real attack, your computer could have been compromised.

 

There is NO need to contact the Help Desk. Your name and computer number have been logged by the system.

 

How to Recognize Phishing

Scammers use email or text messages to trick you into giving them your personal information. They may try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could gain access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day -- and they're often successful. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reported that people lost $57 million to phishing schemes in one year.

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Scammers often update their tactics, but there are some signs that will help you recognize a phishing email or text message.

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Phishing emails and text messages may look like they're from a company you know or trust. They may look like they're from a bank, a credit card company, a social networking site, an online payment website or app, or an online store.

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Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. They may:

• say they've noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts

• claim there's a problem with your account or your payment information

• say you must confirm some personal information

• include a fake invoice

• want you to click on a link to make a payment

• say you're eligible to register for a government refund

• offer a coupon for free stuff