Pretexting Scams Explained: How to Protect Your Personal Information | ExchangeDefender [ Skip to content ](#main) [ ![ExchangeDefender](/assets/images/xd_logo_blue.png) ](/) Email Security ![Platform Overview](/assets/images/m-xd-pro.png)### ExchangeDefender PRO Enterprise-grade email security made simple for every business. [Sign Up](/sign-up) [Live Demo](/demo) [Email Security Stops spam, malware & phishing in real time. ](/email-security) [Encryption Secure your emails, attachments & sensitive data. ](/corporate-email-encryption) [Web File Sharing Easy, safe cloud file sharing with access control. ](/web-file-server) [Live Archive Locked-in email backup & continuity during outages. ](/livearchive-backup) [Emergency Inbox Keep email flowing without interruption if your provider fails. ](/inbox) [Spearphish Train your team with phishing simulations & risk tracking. ](/spearphishing) Managed Email ### Enterprise-Grade Managed Email Reliable, secure, and fully managed email operations for modern organizations. ![ExchangeDefender](/assets/images/managed_email_menu.png) [Microsoft365/Google Email Management Expert management and security for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace email. ](/managed-email-operations) [AI Advisory Secure, practical AI consulting & implementation for SMBs. ](/management-ai) Company ### ExchangeDefender: 29+ Years of Trust We are a cybersecurity company focused on business email protection, with 29+ years of experience keeping organizations secure, connected, and resilient. ![ExchangeDefender](/assets/images/careers_1.png) [ About Us Learn our purpose, values, and the mission behind every decision. ](/about-us) [ Blog News, product updates and email security insights. ](/blog) [ Capabilities Discover the tech and expertise that keep your email secure around the clock ](/capabilities) [ Careers Be part of a team using modern tech to solve real threats and ship great work. ](/careers) [Partners](/partners) [Docs](/docs) [Contact Us](/contact) Talk to a Human Open menu Menu ---- Email Security [Email Security](/email-security) [Encryption](/corporate-email-encryption) [Web File Sharing](/web-file-server) [Live Archive](/livearchive-backup) [Inbox](/inbox) [Spearphish](/spearphishing) Managed Email [Microsoft365/Google Email Management](/managed-email-operations) [AI Advisory](/management-ai) Company [About Us](/about-us) [Blog](/blog) [Capabilities](/capabilities) [Careers](/careers) [Partners](/partners) [Docs](/docs) [Contact Us](/contact) Talk to a Human August 20, 2024 · [General](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog?category=uncategorized) Pretexting Scams Explained: How to Protect Your Personal Information ==================================================================== [![](https://storage.services.exchangedefender.network/exchangedefender-blog/blog/2024/08/Blog-Posts-8-1024x576.jpg)](https://storage.services.exchangedefender.network/exchangedefender-blog/blog/2024/08/Blog-Posts-8.jpg) [Pretexting is a type of fraud ](https://www.finra.org/investors/insights/pretexting)where scammers create a false scenario or identity to trick you into revealing personal information. This information can then be used for identity theft, financial fraud, or other malicious purposes. [![](https://storage.services.exchangedefender.network/exchangedefender-blog/blog/2024/08/12-1-1024x402.jpg)](https://storage.services.exchangedefender.network/exchangedefender-blog/blog/2024/08/12-1.jpg) ### How Does Pretexting Work? Scammers often employ a variety of tactics to gain your trust. Here are some common examples of pretexting: - **Impersonation:** Scammers may pretend to be government officials, law enforcement officers, bank employees, or even family members to gain your confidence. - **Phishing:** This involves sending fraudulent emails or text messages that appear to be from legitimate companies, urging you to click on links or provide personal information. - **Social engineering:** Scammers use psychological manipulation techniques to exploit your emotions or curiosity. [![](https://storage.services.exchangedefender.network/exchangedefender-blog/blog/2024/08/13-1-1024x402.jpg)](https://storage.services.exchangedefender.network/exchangedefender-blog/blog/2024/08/13-1.jpg) ### Common Pretexting Scams - **Government Imposter Scams:** Scammers posing as IRS or Social Security Administration agents may threaten legal action if you don't provide personal information or make immediate payments. - **Tech Support Scams:** Fraudsters claim to be from tech companies and offer to fix non-existent computer problems for a fee. - **Grandparent Scams:** Scammers pretend to be grandchildren in distress, requesting money urgently. - **Romance Scams:** These involve building fake online relationships to gain trust and then requesting financial assistance. [![](https://storage.services.exchangedefender.network/exchangedefender-blog/blog/2024/08/14-1-1024x402.jpg)](https://storage.services.exchangedefender.network/exchangedefender-blog/blog/2024/08/14-1.jpg) ### Protecting Yourself from Pretexting Scams - **Be Wary of Unsolicited Contact:** Avoid sharing personal information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. - **Verify Information:** If you receive a suspicious call or email, independently verify the sender's identity before providing any information. - **Protect Your Personal Information:** Be cautious about sharing sensitive details online or over the phone. - **Use Strong Passwords:** Create complex passwords for your online accounts and consider using a password manager. - **Monitor Your Financial Accounts:** Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized activity. Remember, legitimate businesses and government agencies will never ask for personal information through unsolicited calls, emails, or texts. If you suspect a scam, hang up or delete the message, and report it to the appropriate authorities. By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of pretexting. [ Previous post 5 Ways Email Outages Can Cripple Your Business Operations August 13, 2024 ](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog/2024/08/5-ways-email-outages-can-cripple-your-business-operations) [ Next post 5 Ways to Optimize Your Business File-Sharing Strategy August 27, 2024 ](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog/2024/08/5-ways-to-optimize-your-business-file-sharing-strategy) Related Posts ------------- [ 1 May ](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog/2026/05/exchangedefender-new-ui-is-live)### [ExchangeDefender New UI is Live](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog/2026/05/exchangedefender-new-ui-is-live) [Read more: ExchangeDefender New UI is Live](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog/2026/05/exchangedefender-new-ui-is-live) [ ![](https://storage.services.exchangedefender.network/exchangedefender-blog/blog/2025/12/christmas-1.jpg) 25 Dec ](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog/2025/12/merry-christmas)### [Merry Christmas](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog/2025/12/merry-christmas) [Read more: Merry Christmas](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog/2025/12/merry-christmas) [ ![](https://storage.services.exchangedefender.network/exchangedefender-blog/blog/2025/11/Website-Screenshots-2025-4.jpg) 4 Nov ](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog/2025/11/why-iot-devices-are-a-hidden-security-risk-for-your-business)### [Why IoT Devices Are a Hidden Security Risk for Your Business](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog/2025/11/why-iot-devices-are-a-hidden-security-risk-for-your-business) [Read more: Why IoT Devices Are a Hidden Security Risk for Your Business](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog/2025/11/why-iot-devices-are-a-hidden-security-risk-for-your-business) Search the blog Search Recent Posts ------------ - [ExchangeDefender New UI is Live](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog/2026/05/exchangedefender-new-ui-is-live) - [Announcing ExchangeDefender 10](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog/2026/04/announcing-exchangedefender-10) - [Merry Christmas](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog/2025/12/merry-christmas) - [Why IoT Devices Are a Hidden Security Risk for Your Business](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog/2025/11/why-iot-devices-are-a-hidden-security-risk-for-your-business) - [Top 5 IT Problems Small Businesses Face in 2025 — and How to Fix Them](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog/2025/10/top-5-it-problems-small-businesses-face-in-2025-and-how-to-fix-them) Categories ---------- - [Archiving](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog?category=archiving) (21) - [Business Continuity](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog?category=business-continuity) (13) - [Compliance](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog?category=compliance) (8) - [ExchangeDefender](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog?category=exchangedefender) (349) - [General](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog?category=uncategorized) (590) - [Hosted Services](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog?category=hosted-services) (86) - [Industry News](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog?category=industrynews) (29) - [Marketing](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog?category=marketing) (18) - [Phishing](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog?category=phishing) (5) - [PRO TIPS](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog?category=pro-tips) (44) - [Product Features](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog?category=product-features) (54) - [Security](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog?category=security) (65) - [Shockey Monkey](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog?category=shockey-monkey) (22) - [Spamfilter](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog?category=spamfilter) (5) - [Support](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog?category=support) (45) - [Webinars](https://www-preview.exchangedefender.com/blog?category=webinars) (44) Solutions --------- - [Stop Spam & Malware](/email-security) - [Hands-Free Email Backup](/livearchive-backup) - [Instant Email Recovery](/inbox) - [Send Private Emails](/corporate-email-encryption) - [Train Against Email Threats](/spearphishing) - [Share Files Safely](/web-file-server) Company ------- - [About ExchangeDefender](/about-us) - [Compliance & Legal](/our-compliance) - [Become a Partner](/partners) - [Support Portal Login](https://support.exchangedefender.com/) - [Microsoft 365 Email Management](/managed-email-operations) - [AI Advisory Service](/management-ai) ![ExchangeDefender](/assets/images/dark-xd-logo.png)USA: +1 (407) 465-6800 United Kingdom: 0800 8620149 Australia: +61 0390010641 Fax: +1 (954) 839-8737 [ ](https://www.facebook.com/ExchangeDefender) [ ](https://www.twitter.com/XD_Defender) [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/exchangdefender) [ ](/blog) © 2026 Own Web Now Corp - All rights reserved </> with ❤️ in Orlando [SLA](/sla) [TOS](/tos) [PRIVACY](/privacy-end-users) [AUP](/aup) We're Here to Help 👋 -------------------- Tired of AI 🤖 and hold music? Request a call or text (sms/telco charges may apply) and someone with a brain and a pulse will get in touch with you promptly. Close modal Website Name Email Address Company Phone Preferred Contact Method Text me Call me Call Date Call Time Time Zone Eastern Central Mountain Pacific London Paris Madrid Berlin Tokyo Dubai Sydney Request Human Contact Submitting... Close Start Your Free Year -------------------- Enter your details and we will set up your free year of email protection. Close modal Website Full Name Email Continue Submitting... Close Try ExchangeDefender for Free 💰 ------------------------------- We look forward to helping you secure your email. We offer a free 30-day no-risk trial, just fill out the form below and one of our onboarding techs will get you started. If you'd just like to take a look at the demo, click here for a [live demo site](/demo). Close modal Website Name Email Address Company Phone Preferred Contact Method Text me Call me Call Date Call Time Time Zone Eastern Central Mountain Pacific London Paris Madrid Berlin Tokyo Dubai Sydney 💰 Get your free month Submitting... 🏃 Explore a Live Demo Submitting... Close Train Your Team Before the Hackers Do 👋 --------------------------------------- ExchangeDefender Spearphish is our new phishing simulation and training tool, designed to help your team spot scams before they click. Want to be first in line? Request early access or get a personal demo — just drop your name and email below. Close modal Website Name Email Address Company Phone Preferred Contact Method Text me Call me Call Date Call Time Time Zone Eastern Central Mountain Pacific London Paris Madrid Berlin Tokyo Dubai Sydney Request Early Access Submitting... Close