As more and more of our daily lives move online, it’s important to be vigilant against digital scams. Scammers will often use email, text messages, or even phone calls to try to steal personal information such as passwords, account numbers, social security numbers, the list goes on. Scammers have become very clever in keeping up with the latest trends to try to steal personal information.
Some common tactics they’ll use:
Say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or login attempts on your accounts.
Claim there’s a problem with your payment information.
Need you to confirm personal or financial information to gain access to your account.
Send fake invoices saying you’ve missed a payment for something.
Want you to click on an outside link to “regain” access to your account.
Here are some tips on how to avoid digital scams:
Keep your software and devices up to date: Many digital scams rely on exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated software or devices. Keep your computer, phone, and other devices up to date with the latest security and software to reduce your risk of being targeted.
Use strong, unique passwords. Avoid easily guessable passwords and reusing multiple passwords for different things. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your logins.
Be aware of suspicious emails and links. Phishing emails often appear to be from legitimate companies and may ask you to click a link or provide personal information. Be wary of emails that ask for sensitive information or come from an unknown sender. Looks for signs such as typos, strange URLs, and always verify the sender before clicking on anything.
Shop only on secure websites when making purchases online, look for “https” in the website’s URL.
Use two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone.
Trust your instincts. If something seems too good to be true or it feels off, it probably is. Be skeptical of unsolicited offers or requests for money and do your research before giving out any personal information.
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from digital scams and keep your personal information and money safe. Remember to stay informed and stay vigilant!
If you think you've been the target of a bank scam, please reach out immediately to our team at 1-866-546-8273.