Cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls, passwords, and antivirus software. Some of the most successful attacks don’t rely on technical exploits at all—they rely on you.
This tactic is called social engineering, and it’s how cybercriminals manipulate people into handing over information, money, or access. The scary part? Most people don’t realize they’re being targeted until it’s too late.
Whether you're a business owner, employee, or simply someone who spends time online, here are key red flags that can help you spot a social engineering scam before you become a victim.
Online attackers are getting smarter—not just with their tools, but with their tactics. Instead of forcing their way in, many attackers manipulate people into opening the door for them. These types of attacks are subtle, often disguised as everyday interactions, and can happen through email, text, phone calls, or social media. To protect yourself and your organization, it’s essential to recognize the warning signs early. Here are some of the most common red flags to watch for:
One of the biggest giveaways of a social engineering attack is a sense of urgency. Scammers often pressure you to act fast—whether it’s “confirming your account,” “making a donation,” or “resolving a payroll issue.”
Attackers will often impersonate people you trust—coworkers, vendors, IT staff, even CEOs.
We’ve seen this tactic play out on a much larger scale, too. In the Scattered Spider airline attacks, hackers used impersonation and social engineering to infiltrate vendors, IT contractors, and airlines—not by breaking in, but by convincing someone to let them in.
Legitimate organizations won’t ask for passwords or banking info via email or text.
One wrong click can install malware, launch ransomware, or send you to a fake login page designed to steal your credentials. Even something as simple as opening an attachment labeled "invoice" or "document" from an unknown source can infect your device and give attackers access to your network.
Many scam messages are rushed and poorly written. You might see phrases like “Your account are suspended” or “Click here to fix your problem now please.” These awkward constructions are a common sign that the sender isn’t legitimate.
Scammers often say something’s “urgent” to get you to break protocol.
Public info from LinkedIn or social media can be used against you. Scammers may reference your job title, employer, or recent activity to make their message feel more credible.
Scammers play on empathy, fear, urgency, and even guilt to get people to act without thinking. These emotional triggers are especially common during natural disasters, public tragedies, or crises—times when people are more likely to help without asking questions. You might receive a message saying, “Help displaced families—donate now,” or “Your loved one is in trouble—click here to send bail money.”
Social engineering attacks don’t rely on brute force—they rely on human behavior. That’s what makes them so effective—and so dangerous. The more you understand the red flags, the better equipped you are to stop an attack before it starts.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Slow down, verify the source, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Just as important as user awareness is keeping your IT environment secure and up to date. Cybersecurity threats evolve quickly, and so should your defenses. That’s why working with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a smart move—MSPs provide proactive monitoring, system hardening, and end-user training to catch vulnerabilities before attackers do.
Want to better protect your team from social engineering scams? DOCUmation specializes in cybersecurity, data backups, and smarter IT support that keeps your people—and your data—safe. Connect with us today.