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28
Oct

Protect Yourself from Cyber Attacks!

How to keep your information safe:

  • Make sure you know who you are communicating with.

Fraudsters pose as legitimate organizations like banks, the IRS, etc. There are some basic things to remember.

  1. Text message: Your bank will never ask you to sign in or give personal information via text message.
  2. Email: Watch out for emails that tell you to click on a link or provide personal information.
  3. Phone Calls: If you didn’t expect a call from the bank, it could be a scam. Don’t provide any personal information, just hang up, and call the bank yourself at the number in your banking information.
  • Be aware of COVID-related scams.

Criminals are taking advantage of the pandemic. Here are some of the top 5 scams to look out for:

  1. Stimulus Scams: Be alert of scammers asking for an upfront payment, bank account, or social security information in order to receive your stimulus check. The government will never request this information in a phone call or email.
  2. CDC & WHO Scams: Watch out for phishing emails from a scammer posing as national and global health authorities, including World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They hope to trick you into downloading malware or providing personal information.
  3. Charity Scams: Stay alert of scammers contacting you to donate to fake charities. Research the organization you desire to sponsor to ensure your information is protected.
  4. Product or Services Scams: Items like hand sanitizers, disinfectants, and household cleaning supplies are offered by scammers who will keep your money. Scammers also offer cures, coronavirus test kits and vaccines that do not exist.
  5. Employment Scams: Scammers create job ads to lure employment consumers to fake jobs. The scammers will wire money or send fake checks to you, asking you to send a portion back or use the funds to purchase goods, which are directed back to the scammer.
  6. Report suspicious texts and emails.

Fraudsters impersonate companies to get consumers to click links and provide personal information. These deceptive emails, phone calls, and text messages appear to come from legitimate sources. Report suspicious communications to the actual company and their fraud department.

  • Don’t let online shopping scams trick you.

Before providing your billing information online, make sure you are working with a credible site. Don’t download any software or click unknown links.

SO…What Should You Do??

Follow these security best practices:

  • LAYER YOUR PROTECTION.

A strong password is the first line of defense against cybercriminals. We recommend using multifactor authentication for an added layer of protection for all of your accounts.

  • BE ALERT.

Monitor your accounts regularly, respond to fraud alerts and report unauthorized transactions promptly.

  • SET YOUR PREFERENCES FOR DIGITAL DOCUMENTS.

Mailbox fraud has been an ongoing strategy for criminals.  Use a shredder to destroy paper documents when you are done with them.

The best line of defense? YOU!! You have control. Trust your instincts.