Our Guide: Helping You Stay Safe on the Internet

Our Guide: Helping You Stay Safe on the Internet

As AI (artificial intelligence) becomes more sophisticated so will the scammers. We think it’s important that you be informed and aware of the different types of scams criminals use and to remember that armed with AI, these miscreants will become more sophisticated. We want you to be safe, so today we’re going to talk about some of the scams that you may encounter and how to deal with them. Our mission is to help you stay safe – from phone scammer and internet scammers. 

We hope the information we’ve included here will help you and keep you safer when using the internet. Remember – no antivirus/antimalware program – no software program in this world – can protect you from being scammed. Only thinking before you click something in an email or on an unfamiliar website – and being wary if someone calls you out of the blue trying to get you to allow them to connect to your computer or trying to talk you into buying something… can protect you from being scammed.

Common Scams

Impersonation Scams – Hackers can spoof numbers for government agencies, like the IRS, debt collectors, your local bank, or even people you know, asking for sensitive information.

Reactivation Scams – Scammers may send text messages asking you to reactivate your account by clicking on a link or calling a number.

Delivery Notification Scams – You may receive a text message or email saying that you have a package waiting for you and to click the link to track it.

Prize Scams – Scammers might claim that you have won a large prize or lottery and are required to pay an ‘administrative fee’ in order to claim it.

Family Emergency Scams – You may receive a call from someone pretending to be a loved one in distress and asking for money to help them out with an emergency.

How to Spot Scams

Understand that scammers often pretend to be from trusted organizations. They may utilize technology to impersonate names and phone numbers. So what you see on your device may not be real.

Criminals may include high-pressure, urgent requests — citing a problem or prize that needs your immediate attention.

Many phishing emails or texts will contain grammatical errors in the message or sender’s email address.

Scammers may also tell you a specific payment method that you must use to remedy the situation—often suggesting gift cards or cryptocurrency.

They may also send you a check to deposit, asking you to send back a portion of the money. This is a trick to get your bank account information.

Reporting Fraud

If you suspect suspicious account activity or receive an email, voice mail, or text message that appears to be from your bank or credit card company, but you suspect fraud, do not click on any links, open any attachments, or enter any requested information. These could be attempts to obtain your personal information.

ATM/Debit Card Fraud

Notify your bank immediately.

Credit Card Fraud

Notify your credit card company immediately. They can help you prevent further financial loss.

Identity Theft

If you believe your identity has been stolen, call your bank(s) or credit card company(companies) to report the issue, so they can put holds on your accounts.

File a Universal ID Theft Affidavit

To begin the identity theft reporting process, use the universal ID Theft Affidavit at www.ftc.gov/idtheft to have a fraud alert placed on your credit file.

You can also call the Federal Trade Commission’s toll-free ID Theft Hotline at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) for more information.

In case of suspected fraud, most banks will assist you with opening a new checking account and with the transfer of funds. Some banks will provide you with a starter box of free checks for your new account to help you get started more quickly.

How to avoid scams and protect your identity

Never click on links or open attachments from unknown senders.

Don’t respond to suspicious messages or call phone numbers provided in suspicious messages — Instead, go to the source by reaching out to the sender via their official phone number or webpage.

Contact your bank directly or visit your bank in person and speak with someone who can help you.

Never provide your personal or financial information.

Banks and credit card companies will never call, text, or email you asking for your personal information, secure access codes, or login credentials.

Block unwanted calls or text messages.

Don’t allow yourself to be pressured to act. Think before you take any action.

Be proactive and be prepared.

Create a list of your banks and credit/debit card companies and include contact information for each. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but if you do you’ll have the information at your fingertips so you can act immediately if you suspect you’ve been a victim of fraud.

Remember no software program, no antivirus, no antimalware, no VPN, and no app can prevent you from being a victim. Only you can prevent yourself from being scammed by educating yourself on how scammers and tricksters work – and using that magnificent software between your ears – your brain.