Don't click that link! If you don't know who an email is from, don't click on anything in the email or open anything attached to it. Cyber criminals often create emails that look like they’re coming from legitimate sources, including banks, government agencies, and other services and businesses. Be vigilant about these communications, as their intent is to collect your personal and financial information and infect your device with malware and viruses.
Before you send money to anyone, do your homework. When you receive an urgent request from a family member for money, your instinct is to help. But don't automatically fall for the request; verify whether the situation is real. Criminals can impersonate those closest to you by exploiting personal information that's readily available online. Example: You often post photos on Facebook of your granddaughter, Eileen, noting her name and that she's a sophomore in college. One day, someone sounding like Eileen calls you, saying she's stranded somewhere far away and needs money. Calmly tell her "I want to help, but I know there are a lot of scams out there. Let me call your mom or dad and just verify that you're where you say you are. If we all agree you need help, of course I'll send you the money." Chances are the caller will hang up, and you'll have your answer!
Steer clear of Facebook quizzes! You're bored, scrolling through your social media feed, and spot a harmless-looking set of questions asking you to discover what Office or Downton Abbey character you're most like. Resist the urge! Although not all quizzes are data-collection scams, enough of them are that the Better Business Bureau warns against participating in them.
Watch your text messages closely. Common text scams include an invitation to dinner from someone whose number is not in your phone. You respond "wrong number," and the scammer apologizes profusely, flatters you, and continues to text you, trying to earn your trust. The best route to take? Don't respond to that first text. Another common scam? A text that says, "The package has arrived but can't be delivered" and asks you to provide information. If you're awaiting a package from UPS, the U.S. Postal Service, or another legitimate sender, that organization will identify itself.
If an offer or announcement seems too good to be true, it is. You receive an exciting email; you’ve won a prize, the lottery, or a sweepstakes! If you're asked to pay a fee or tax before receiving your prize, or if there’s a request for your credit card or bank account information, the communication is a scam. Don't fall for it!
"Big savings on your health insurance"? Not so fast. Be wary of calls, emails, or letters that promise you insurance savings. You'll know you're dealing with a cyber criminal if the person requests your Medicare or health insurance information, Social Security number, or financial information. Hit the "delete" button.
If it's not broken, don't fix it! If someone claiming to be with a technology company contacts you and wants to diagnose a computer problem you didn’t know you had, or provide technical support you haven't requested, terminate the conversation! If you receive an unexpected pop-up or email about an urgent problem with your computer, don't believe it. Scammers are likely trying to obtain remote access to your computer to look for information such as bank-account numbers.
Be vigilant about your bank and credit accounts. Victims of identity theft are sure to feel violated—rightly so, since this crime involves the use of your personal information to obtain money or credit. Signs that you may be a victim of identity theft include:
- Bills for products or services you never purchased
- Unauthorized withdrawals from your bank
- Unauthorized charges on your credit card statements
- New accounts in your name (ones you did not request)
- A decrease in the amount of mail you receive
- Rejections via mail or email for credit applications you did not complete
