The Digitial Menace: Phishing and Fraud
We are all familiar with unsolicited texts, emails and calls. During this holiday-season, you may receive more calls than you think. This is because technological advancements allow cybercriminals to create more sophisticated and convincing scams. Here are some reported tactics and crucial ways to safeguard your information.
In the News:
- Mail Schemes: Americans reported they received scams most commonly via email and text messages. A common tactic they noticed was a fake missed delivery notification. The message asks the receiver to click a link and input their sensitive information to “release” the package to them.
- Donation Scams: Organizations use the holiday momentum to raise charity funds. Cybercriminals have been notorious for sending phony donations links via text or emails. Their tactics have only grown. Scammers have also created deepfake videos of celebrities asking for donations with instructions to pay via wire transfers.
- Fake Surveys and Polls: Participating in a survey seems low risk. Cybercriminals may even entice you by offering a prize afterwards. Be cautious of what sensitive information they request, such as your name, bank information, Social Security number, etc.
Protecting Yourself:
- Be Skeptical: With the rapid advancement in technology, it is important to slow down. AI videos and audio struggle to maintain a consistent tone, often having unnatural pauses and lacking emotional depth. Think before wiring $1,000 to Santa’s Christmas fund.
- Do Your Research: Verify information that is given to you by conducting a quick search. Go directly to government websites to get voter information. Look up charities on a site like Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance to ensure you are donating to a legitimate cause.
- Think About Your Money: Scammers commonly ask for money to be sent via gift cards, wire transfers or in cryptocurrency. These payments methods are all difficult to trace, especially if you don’t know who you are really sending the money to. Before sending money, investigate who you are sending funds to.
By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these scams. Remember to trust your instincts to make sound decisions. Contact us at [email protected] to find out other ways you can protect yourself!