DesignRush User Guide:
Preventing Fraud, Phishing and Spam

In today's digital world, online safety has never been more important. As more of our personal and professional lives move online, the risks associated with cyber threats continue to grow. Fraud, phishing, and spam have become increasingly sophisticated, making it crucial for everyone to stay informed and vigilant.

At DesignRush, we prioritize the security of our visitors and members. This guide is designed to provide you with essential tips to help protect yourself from these online threats. By following these best practices, you can ensure a safer and more secure experience while using our platform.

Fraud

Fraud involves deceptive practices conducted for financial gain. This can take many forms, including identity theft, false advertising, and various types of scams aimed at stealing money or sensitive information.

Examples for DesignRush Users

Fake Service Providers: You receive an email from someone claiming to be a well-known service provider listed on DesignRush, offering a deal that seems too good to be true. After making a payment, you find out that the provider does not exist, and the contact information is fake.

Investment Scams: You receive an inquiry via DesignRush contact form, offering lucrative investment opportunities in exchange for an upfront fee. Once the fee is paid, the person disappears, and you never see any return on your investment.

What does DesignRush do about that?

Agencies undergo stringent internal review before getting listed on the site. This ensures the legitimacy of the service providers we recommend to businesses. Our team also reviews the inquiries before sending them to agencies. This streamlines communication and helps agencies get potential quality leads. These efforts ensure that your experience on DesignRush remains safe and trustworthy.

General Tips to Avoid Fraud

Protecting yourself from fraud is crucial in today’s digital age. Here are some general tips to help you avoid falling victim to fraudulent activities, especially when engaging with businesses or individuals.

Verify Credentials

Before engaging in any transaction, it’s essential to verify the credentials of the businesses or individuals you’re dealing with. This can help ensure that you’re interacting with legitimate entities and not fraudulent ones.

How to Verify Credentials

• Check Reviews and Ratings - Look for reviews and ratings on DesignRush and other reputable platforms.
• Confirm Contact Information - Verify the contact information provided, such as email addresses and phone numbers. Legitimate businesses typically have consistent and professional contact details.
• Research the Business - Conduct a quick online search to see if there are any red flags or complaints about the business. Check their website, social media presence, and any available public records.
• Ask for References - Don’t hesitate to ask for references or testimonials from previous clients. Contacting these references can provide insight into the legitimacy and reliability of the business.

Use Secure Payment Methods

Using secure and traceable payment methods is vital to protecting yourself from fraud. Avoiding certain types of payment methods can significantly reduce your risk.

Recommended Payment Methods

• Credit Cards - Credit cards offer buyer protection and the ability to dispute charges if something goes wrong. They also have fraud detection mechanisms in place.
• Escrow Services - For larger transactions, consider using escrow services that hold the funds until the terms of the agreement are met. This ensures that the payment is only released once you are satisfied with the service.
• Reputable Payment Platforms - Use established and secure payment platforms, which offer some level of buyer protection. Be cautious of new or unknown payment apps that may not provide the same level of security.

Avoid These Payment Methods

• Wire Transfers - Wire transfers are difficult to trace and reverse. Scammers often prefer this method because it’s harder to recover your money once it’s sent.
• Payment Apps Without Protection - Some payment apps do not offer buyer protection or the ability to dispute transactions. Avoid using these for business transactions with unfamiliar parties.

Monitor Financial Accounts

Regularly monitoring your financial accounts can help you quickly identify and address any unauthorized transactions, preventing potential fraud from escalating.

Tips for Monitoring Accounts:

• Set Up Alerts - Many banks and credit card companies offer alerts for transactions over a certain amount, international transactions, or any suspicious activity. Set up these alerts to stay informed in real time.
• Review Statements Regularly - Make it a habit to review your bank and credit card statements regularly. Look for any unfamiliar or unauthorized transactions and report them immediately.
• Reconcile Accounts - If you use accounting software, regularly reconcile your accounts to ensure all transactions match your records. This can help you catch any discrepancies early.
• Check Credit Reports - Periodically check your credit reports for any unusual activity or accounts opened in your name. This can help you detect identity theft early on.

By following these general tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to fraud. Remember, staying vigilant and taking proactive measures is key to protecting yourself in the digital world.

Phishing

Phishing is the attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by pretending to be a trustworthy entity in electronic communications.

Examples for DesignRush Users

Email Phishing: You receive an email that appears to be from DesignRush, asking you to verify your account information by clicking on a link. The link takes you to a fake website that looks like DesignRush, where you are prompted to enter your login credentials. Once entered, these credentials are stolen, and your information is compromised.

Fake Invoices: You get an email that looks like it’s from a DesignRush service provider you previously worked with, claiming there’s an outstanding invoice that needs to be paid immediately. The email contains a link to a fraudulent payment portal designed to capture your financial information.

What does DesignRush do about that?

We implement rigorous measures to protect our email domains, ensuring they are properly configured and fortified with SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance), and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) records. These industry-standard protocols help prevent email spoofing, phishing attempts, and unauthorized use of our domain names. By adhering to these stringent security practices, we strive to maintain the integrity and trustworthiness of all communications sent from DesignRush.

How To Recognize and Avoid Phishing

Phishing is one of the most common and dangerous online threats. Cybercriminals use phishing to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal details. Here’s how you can recognize and avoid phishing attempts to protect yourself and your business.

Look for Suspicious Email Features

Phishing emails often have telltale signs that can help you identify them. Being aware of these features can prevent you from falling victim to these scams.

Tips to Identify Phishing Emails

• Unusual Sender Addresses - Phishing emails often come from email addresses that look legitimate but may have slight variations or unusual domains. For example, instead of agencysupport@designrush.com, a phishing email might come from agencysupport@desgnrush.com.
• Generic Greetings - Be cautious of emails that use generic greetings like "Dear Customer" instead of your name. Legitimate companies usually personalize their emails.
• Spelling and Grammar Errors - Phishing emails often contain spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or awkward phrasing. Professional companies typically proofread their communications.
• Urgent or Threatening Language - Emails that create a sense of urgency or fear, such as threats of account suspension or urgent requests for information, are often phishing attempts.
• Suspicious Links - Hover over links in the email to see the actual URL. Phishing emails often contain links that lead to fake websites designed to steal your information.

DesignRush Trusted Domains

Below is a list of DesignRush Trusted Domains. You can rest assured of their legitimacy, and if you receive a message from any of these, feel free to reply.

Verify Links Before Clicking

One of the most effective ways to avoid phishing attacks is to verify links before clicking on them. This simple step can help you avoid malicious websites.

How to Verify Links

• Hover Over Links - Before clicking, hover your mouse over the link to see the destination URL. Ensure it matches the legitimate website. For example, a link claiming to be from DesignRush should lead to a URL like “https://www.designrush.com,” not “http://designrush.fake.com.”
• Check for HTTPS - Ensure the URL starts with “https://” that indicates a secure connection. However, be aware that some phishing sites also use HTTPS, so this is not a foolproof indicator.
• Manually Enter URLs - If you receive an email prompting you to visit a site, it’s safer to manually type the URL into your browser rather than clicking on the link.

Don’t Share Personal Information

Phishing attacks often rely on tricking you into sharing personal or sensitive information. It’s crucial to be cautious about the information you disclose online.

Best Practices for Sharing Information

• Avoid Sharing via Email - Never share sensitive information, such as passwords, Social Security Numbers, or credit card details. Legitimate companies will never ask for this information through email.
• Use Secure Websites - Only enter personal information on secure websites. Look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock icon in the browser address bar.
• Verify Requests - If you receive a request for personal information that seems legitimate, verify it by contacting the company directly through official channels. Do not use the contact information provided in the email. Instead, use verified contact details from the company’s official website.

By following these tips, you can recognize and avoid phishing attempts, ensuring your personal information remains secure online.

Spam

Spam refers to unsolicited messages, often sent in bulk, that typically have malicious intent. These messages can clutter your inbox, spread malware, or lure you into scams.

Examples for DesignRush Users

Unsolicited Promotional Emails: You start receiving numerous promotional emails from unknown companies after engaging with certain profiles on DesignRush. These emails often contain links to malicious websites or offer suspicious products and services.

Fake Reviews and Endorsements: You receive messages from people claiming to offer services such as boosting your profile visibility or writing positive reviews on DesignRush in exchange for payment. These services are scams and could compromise your financial information.

What does DesignRush do about that?

We remind users to be cautious about emails received from unknown senders. While we cannot control spammers from contacting our network of brands and agencies, we actively monitor and verify reviews posted on the site to ensure authenticity. For instance, only authorized DesignRush representatives can assist with profile improvements or visibility enhancements. These measures are part of our commitment to providing a trustworthy environment for our users.

Identifying and Blocking Spam

Spam can be a major nuisance, cluttering your inbox and sometimes carrying malicious content. Here’s how you can identify and block spam to keep your online experience smooth and secure.

Use Spam Filters

Spam filters are essential tools for keeping unwanted emails out of your inbox. Properly configuring these filters can significantly reduce the amount of spam you receive.

How to Enable and Configure Spam Filters

• Check Email Settings - Most email services have built-in spam filters. Go to the settings or preferences section of your email account to ensure that the spam filter is enabled.
• Adjust Filter Sensitivity - Depending on your email provider, you may be able to adjust the sensitivity of your spam filter. Set it to a level that balances catching most spam without filtering out important emails.
• Create Custom Filters - You can create custom filters to automatically move emails from certain senders or with specific keywords to the spam folder. This can be useful for dealing with persistent spam sources.
• Regularly Review Spam Folder - Occasionally check your spam folder to ensure legitimate emails haven’t been mistakenly filtered. Mark legitimate emails as "Not Spam" to train your filter.

Report and Block Spammers

Reporting and blocking spam emails or messages reduces the likelihood of receiving similar messages in the future and can help service providers act against spammers.

How to Report and Block Spam In Your Email Account

• Report Spam - Most email services allow you to report spam by selecting the email and clicking the "Report Spam" or "Mark as Spam" button. This helps improve the accuracy of spam filters.
• Block Senders - If you receive repeated spam from the same sender, block their email address. This can usually be done by selecting the email and choosing the "Block Sender" option from the menu.

How to Report and Block Spam Within DesignRush

• Report Spam Messages - If you receive spam messages within DesignRush, report them to the support@designrush.com.

Be Cautious of Unsolicited Offers

Unsolicited offers can often be scams or attempts to gather your personal information. Being cautious with these offers can help you avoid potential pitfalls.

Tips for Handling Unsolicited Offers

• Skeptical Approach - Treat unsolicited offers with skepticism, especially if they seem too good to be true. Scammers often use enticing offers to lure victims.
• Verify Legitimacy - If you’re interested in an offer, take the time to verify its legitimacy. Research the company or individual making the offer, look for reviews, and check for any red flags.
• Avoid Clicking Links - Do not click on links in unsolicited emails or messages. These links could lead to phishing sites or downloading malware onto your device.
• Protect Personal Information - Never provide personal or financial information in response to unsolicited offers. Legitimate companies will not ask for sensitive information in this manner.

By enabling spam filters, reporting and blocking spammers, and being cautious with unsolicited offers, you can significantly reduce the amount of spam you receive and protect yourself from potential threats.

Safe Practices for DesignRush Visitors and Members

Ensuring your safety online requires ongoing vigilance and the adoption of best practices. Here are some key strategies to help DesignRush visitors and members maintain a secure online presence.

Stay Updated

Keeping your software, browsers, and antivirus programs up-to-date is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from security threats.

Why Staying Updated Is Important

• Patch Vulnerabilities - Software updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers. Regularly updating your systems ensures you have the latest protections.
• Improve Functionality - Updates can also improve the functionality and performance of your software, providing a better overall experience.
• Access New Features - Staying current with updates allows you to take advantage of new features and enhancements designed to improve security and usability.

Tips for Staying Updated

• Enable Automatic Updates - Set your software, operating system, and antivirus programs to update automatically. This ensures you receive the latest security patches as soon as they are released.
• Regularly Check for Updates - For software that doesn’t update automatically, make it a habit to check for updates regularly and install them promptly.
• Update Browsers and Plugins - Ensure your web browsers and any plugins or extensions are up to date, as these are common targets for cyber-attacks.

Strong Passwords

Using strong, unique passwords for your DesignRush accounts is essential for protecting your personal information and preventing unauthorized access.

Characteristics of Strong Passwords

• Long and Complex - Strong passwords are at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Avoid Common Words - Avoid using easily guessable words, phrases, or patterns such as "password123" or "qwerty."
• Unique for Each Account - Use a different password for each of your accounts to prevent a breach of one account from compromising others.

Tips for Managing Passwords

• Use Password Manager Software - A password manager can generate, store, and manage complex passwords for you, making it easier to use strong, unique passwords without having to remember them all.
• Regularly Change Passwords - Change your passwords periodically, especially if you suspect an account may have been compromised.

Educate Yourself

Staying informed about online safety and security is crucial for protecting yourself against emerging threats. Continual education helps you stay ahead of cybercriminals and adopt best practices.

Why Education is Important

• Awareness of New Threats - Cyber threats are constantly evolving. Being aware of the latest tactics used by cybercriminals helps you stay prepared and proactive.
• Adoption of Best Practices - Learning about online safety best practices ensures you are implementing the most effective strategies to protect yourself.

Resources for Online Safety Education

• DesignRush Blog - Check the DesignRush blog for articles on online safety, security tips, and best practices. Our blog regularly features content designed to help you stay secure while using our platform.
• Reputable Cybersecurity Websites - Visit reputable cybersecurity websites such as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) or StaySafeOnline for up-to-date information and resources.
• Online Courses and Webinars - Consider enrolling in online courses or attending webinars focused on cybersecurity and online safety. Many organizations offer free or low-cost educational opportunities.

By staying updated, using strong passwords, and continually educating yourself, you can enhance your online safety and protect your personal information.

Conclusion

Staying vigilant and taking proactive steps to protect yourself from fraud, phishing, and spam is crucial in today’s digital landscape. By understanding the threats and implementing the tips we've discussed, you can significantly enhance your security while doing business online.

Remember, recognizing and avoiding suspicious emails, using strong and unique passwords, and updating your software are all essential practices to safeguard your personal information. Additionally, utilizing spam filters, reporting and blocking spammers, and being cautious with unsolicited offers can help you maintain a secure and enjoyable online experience.

We encourage you to report any suspicious activities you encounter within DesignRush. Your vigilance helps us maintain a safe platform for all users. If you ever come across something that doesn't seem right, please do not hesitate to reach out.

For further assistance or to report any issues, you can contact our support team at:

Email: support@designrush.com

Phone: +1 305-370-1017

Thank you for taking the time to learn about online safety. By working together, we can create a safer online community for everyone. Stay safe and secure while enjoying all that DesignRush has to offer!

At DesignRush, we prioritize the security and privacy of our users. We will never ask you to share sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, or personal identification numbers (PINs) through unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls. We encourage you to remain vigilant and report any suspicious requests claiming to be from DesignRush. Your trust and safety are our top priorities, and we are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of your personal data.