business
IT’S GEEK TO ME: Red flags to look for to protect yourself from scams
By Jeff Werner at Odessa American (oaoa.com)
· July 12, 2026
· 4 min read
Geek Note: Today’s edition of It’s Geek To Me is what you might call an “Unfinished Business” issue. In recent submissions, a couple of readers asked questions with “extra” parts that I simply didn’t have room to cover in that column. So, let’s take care of one of these unfinished business issues...
Key takeaway From Issue #980, May 3, 2026: Question: My other issue is a little different than the typical issues you write about, but I think an outline of red flags to look out for in possible phishing attempts might be useful to your audience.
Why this matters in The Odessa
For Odessa residents, being vigilant about online scams is crucial as the city's growing business community and increasing online transactions create more opportunities for cybercriminals to strike. The use of AI tools by scammers to craft convincing emails means that locals must be proactive in protecting themselves. In addition to being aware of the red flags outlined, such as artificial urgency and look-alike domain names, Odessa residents should also be mindful of the potential consequences of falling victim to these scams, including financial loss and identity theft. As the local economy continues to thrive, it's essential for individuals and businesses to prioritize online security and stay informed about the latest tactics used by scammers. By doing so, Odessa can maintain a safe and secure online environment, supporting the city's growth and development. Local businesses and organizations can also play a role by educating their customers and employees about online safety and the importance of verifying the authenticity of emails and websites.
About this story
Original reporting by Odessa American (oaoa.com) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Odessa American (oaoa.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 12, 2026 ·
Source: Odessa American (oaoa.com) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Geek Note: Today’s edition of It’s Geek To Me is what you might call an “Unfinished Business” issue. In recent submissions, a couple of readers asked questions with “extra” parts that I simply didn’t have room to cover in that column. So, let’s take care of one of these unfinished business issues...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 12, 2026 by Odessa American (oaoa.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jeff Werner at Odessa American (oaoa.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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