October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, reminding people to enhance their knowledge and safeguard themselves against falling victim to scams.
Identity Theft Resource Center’s President and CEO, Eva Velasquez, mentioned that scam tactics have become increasingly sophisticated, with techniques such as phishing emails, text messages, and spoofed caller IDs providing opportunities for scammers.
It is advised to hang up immediately upon receiving automated phone calls attempting to sell something, as stated by James Lee, the Chief Operating Officer of the Identity Theft Resource Center. The same caution should be applied to text messages from unknown numbers requesting payments, transfers, or clicking on suspicious content.
For those receiving numerous unknown or fraudulent calls, tools available on smartphones can help block spam calls. For example, iPhone users can utilize the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature, while Android users can rely on the “Block” function.
Alissa Abdullah, Vice President of Security at Mastercard, advises individuals to stay vigilant and pause to think about protecting themselves when feeling suspicious of potential scams.
Scammers utilize tactics based on fear, urgency, and monetary incentives, as outlined by security expert Petros Efstathopoulos. They often create a sense of urgency, pressuring targets to act quickly without much thought in order to extract personal information such as social security numbers.
According to Kate Kleinart, a 70-year-old who fell victim to a romance scam for several months, lonely individuals can be targeted for extended periods. It’s crucial to remain cautious if new online connections swiftly push for intimate relationships while avoiding involving family members in the interactions.
When scammers aim to steal personal information, they may ask for details like social security numbers and driver’s license information under the pretense of lucrative job offers. It’s essential to remember that legitimate employers typically request skills, work experience, and contact details at the initial stages of recruitment, rather than sensitive information.
Investment scams often lure individuals with get-rich-quick schemes through social media or online advertisements, frequently involving cryptocurrencies. To avoid falling victim, the FTC suggests conducting independent research on companies to validate their legitimacy, especially by searching for reviews or scam allegations associated with the company names.
When engaging in online activities such as taking quizzes or surveys, beware of scammers posing questions based on personal interests to gather information for malicious purposes. To safeguard personal information, FTC recommends refraining from participating in online tests and using random answers for security questions.
In purchasing or selling products on platforms like Instagram or Facebook Marketplace, it’s vital to verify buyers’ information, avoid sharing codes sent to your phone or email, and refrain from accepting online payments from unknown individuals.
In the event of falling victim to a scam, it is advisable to report the incident on the FTC website to prevent further fraudulent activities.