Spot Unsafe Event Phishing Scams

Don't Fall for Phishing: How to Spot Unsafe
Online Event Invitations

October 29, 2025

Don't Fall for Phishing: How to
Spot Unsafe Online Event
Invitations

Online events are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and accessibility. However, cybercriminals are exploiting these events to launch phishing attacks via tools like Google Calendar and other online invite systems. Here's how you can protect yourself before you accept that next online event invitation.

How Phishing Schemes Use Online Events to Trick You

Phishing scams are evolving, and event invites are becoming one of the latest methods used by cybercriminals. Scammers send seemingly legitimate invitations through trusted platforms, urging recipients to click on links or provide personal information. These scammers are skilled at disguising their malicious tactics behind well-known tools like Google Calendar, making their schemes harder to spot.

1. Verify the Sender: Who’s Behind the Invite?

Receiving an unexpected invitation to an online event is not always a red flag. With so many businesses and friends organizing online events, it’s not uncommon to receive an invite out of the blue. However, you should always verify the sender before clicking any links.

Check the email address: Ensure the email address is from a trusted domain. If the email claims to be from a company you recognize, visit their official website (not via the link in the email) to confirm the legitimacy of the event.
Know your connections: If the invitation comes from a friend or colleague, double-check with them through a separate communication channel (like a phone call or direct message on a platform you trust) to ensure they actually sent the invite.

2. Protect Your Device and Network

Before opening any invite, ensure that your device and network are secure.

Update antivirus and anti-malware software: Protect your devices from potential threats by keeping your security software up-to-date.
Use a VPN: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) adds an extra layer of security, making it more difficult for hackers to intercept your data.

Once you’ve ensured your devices are secure, you can proceed with caution when opening the invite if you recognize the sender.

3. Never Share Personal Information

Phishing schemes are built on manipulation. Fraudsters often use tactics to convince you to share personal information such as your phone number, login credentials, or even credit card details.

Don’t respond to requests for sensitive info: Genuine event invites will never ask for your password or personal information through a simple email. If you're being asked to enter personal details, it's a clear sign of a scam.
Confirm through a trusted method: If you need to provide any personal information for an event, contact the organizer directly through verified channels—not the link provided in the invitation.

4. Inspect Links Before Clicking

Links are often the gateway to a phishing attack. Never click on a link without checking it first.

Hover over the link: Hover your mouse over any link to see where it will lead. If the URL looks strange, doesn't match the supposed event’s website, or uses a suspicious third-party link shortener (like bit.ly or TinyURL), avoid it.
Use link safety checkers: Tools like Scam Alerts’ link checker can help you evaluate whether a link is legitimate. If in doubt, don’t click.

5. What Happens If You Fall for a Scam?

Clicking on a malicious link can lead to a variety of problems, including:

Data Theft: Personal information can be stolen and used to commit fraud.
Malware: Clicking on a fake link can download malware onto your device, potentially compromising sensitive files.
Financial Loss: Fraudsters may use your data to steal money or make unauthorized transactions.

If you realize you’ve been scammed, take immediate action:

Run a virus scan: Use trusted antivirus software to detect and remove any threats from your device.
Change your passwords: If you provided any login details, change those passwords as soon as possible.
Report the scam: Report phishing attempts to the relevant authorities. For U.S. citizens, the FTC’s ReportFraud.ftc.gov is the official platform to report such incidents.

Protect Your Online Activities with Scam Alerts

At Scam Alerts, we specialize in identifying and preventing scams, from phishing to fraudulent websites. Our advanced scam detection tools and resources help you stay ahead of fraud and avoid falling victim to cybercrime.

Download Scam Alerts’ browser extension to help detect phishing sites in real-time.
Get alerts for new scams and stay informed with the latest fraud reports.

Stay Alert and Secure Your Online Activity

While phishing scams via online event invitations are on the rise, taking the right precautions can help keep your data and finances secure. Always verify the sender, protect your devices, and be cautious when asked for personal information. And remember, when in doubt, report it. Scam Alerts is here to help you navigate the online world safely.