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CyberSecurity and Fraud Awareness

Hot Cyber Topics 

EBT Scam Alert

Have you received any calls or text messages identifying themselves as EBT? Do NOT call it! 

Homograph Attack

A Sneaky Trick Hiding in Plain Sight

What is MFA?

A Guide to Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

QR Code Scams

Think before you scan: Descover the hidden threats lurking in QR Codes

CyberSecurity Tips for Travelers

It's travel season to enjoy time with families, easy-to-use cybersecurity tips for you to pretect you and your families.

Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) Security

AI is rapidly changing our world, but with this power comes responsibility.

 

Scams 

Learn about signs of scams, and how to avoid them

 

How to avoid a scam

 

  • Never respond to a request for personal or financial information that you weren't expecting.
  • Avoid feeling rushed to take action and look up the correct phone number to give them a call back.

 

What to do if you were scammed

 

  • If you used a credit card, debit card, or wire transfer to pay a con artist, get in touch with your bank, report the fraudulent transfer, and request that they cancel the transaction and return your money.
  • If you are sending cash, ask the US Postal Inspection Service to intercept the package by calling 877-876-2455.
  •  Payments made with cryptocurrencies are usually non-refundable. Use extreme caution while making bitcoin payments!

 

 

 

Signs of Scams

 

  • Scammers may pose as representatives of institutions you are familiar with, like banks, charities, and governmental bodies.
  • Contact from someone saying there is a prize that demands you to pay taxes or reveal your personal finance information, such as your bank account, credit card, or social security number.
  • Contact from somebody urging you to act immediately.
  • Contact from somebody urging you to act immediately.Too good to be true. Scammers may provide a high rate of return or guarantee.
    Ask you to pay in a specified form, such as a wire transfer or gift card.

 

 
More Types of Frauds:
 
Staying vigilant and aware of common tactics can help you prtect yourself from falling victim to fraud
 
money trap

Tips for Safe Online Habits

  • Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication

 

Create complex and unique passwords for all your online accounts. Don't reuse the same password for multiple sites. Multi-Factor Authentication(MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requring a second verification steps to log in to your accounts, like code on your phone.

 

  • Be Caution with Links and QR Codes

 

Don't click on suspicious links or scan suspicious QR Codes  in text messagees or emails, even if they seems to come from a know contact. Please see the frequently seen Cyber Scams below:

 

  • Think before you download 

 

Only download software and apps from trusted sources. Be cautious and read reviews before installing anything.

 

  • Think before you connect to public WiFi

 

Public WiFi networks are not secure and should be avoided for sensitive activities like online banking or entering passowrd. Consider using a VPN for added security.

 

  • Keep Software Updated

 

Regularly update your operating system, web browser, and other software to patch vulnerabilities to avoid hackers exploit

 

  • Data Backups

 

Regularly backup your important data like contacts and photos. This way,  you won't lose your valiable data if your device is lost or damaged. 

 

  • App Permissions

 

Only grant access to permissions that are essential for the app's functionality.

 

  • Disable Bluetooth When Not Needed

 

Leaving Bluetooth turned on all the time can potentially increase your vulnerability  to attacks, like unauthenorized access or spreading malicious softwares.