Every day, people receive text messages, emails, phone calls, and online offers that seem perfectly legitimate. Most are exactly what they appear to be. Some are not.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing many parts of our daily lives. It can help businesses work more efficiently, improve customer service, and create new opportunities for learning and communication.

QR codes have become part of everyday life. You see them on restaurant tables, product packaging, event tickets, utility bills, advertisements, and even inside your bank. With a quick scan, they can take you to a website, open an app, or provide additional information without typing a web address.

Social media has made it easier than ever to stay connected with family, friends, local businesses, and communities. Every day, millions of people use social media to share photos, buy and sell items, support local causes, and discover new opportunities.

Most phishing emails don’t look suspicious at first glance. In fact, that’s exactly the point. Today’s phishing emails are designed to look like they came from a company you trust, such as your bank, a retailer, a shipping company, a government agency, or even someone you know personally. Some are professionally written, include familiar logos, and closely resemble legitimate communications.

Recognizing that something doesn’t seem right is an important first step. The next step is even more important: Today’s scammers are skilled at making emails, text messages, phone calls, and websites look legitimate. They may use familiar company names, recognizable logos, or even phone numbers that appear to belong to a trusted business.