Protecting Yourself from Cyber Fraud: Essential Tips and Strategies
Understanding and implementing effective strategies to protect oneself is more crucial than ever. According to Statistica, in 2022, the monetary damage caused by cybercrime reported to the United States' Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) saw a year-over-year increase of around 50 percent, amounting to a historical peak of 10.3 billion U.S. dollars. In the digital age, cyber fraud has become increasingly sophisticated, posing a significant risk to individuals who may find themselves victims of identity theft, financial loss, and privacy breaches. In general, one should be thinking about electronic communications as letting someone into your house. If you don’t know them, letting them in could be a danger. Last year, someone I worked with in a local youth mentor reading program mentioned that she had spent the whole morning on the phone with Amazon. When she said that THEY had texted her and she called them and cooperatively gave them her credit card number and other personal information. I immediately told her to shut off the credit card she had given information of. She did this, but unfortunately $7000 from their credit card and savings was already stolen. Recently, we received an email Document sign link from a local company that we do do business with but did not have any current reason for docs-signing. When my husband contacted the company directly, they stated that their email had been hacked and that he shouldn’t open it, which being a computer savvy kind of guy, he had not.
According to Tehama County Sheriff Dave Kain, reporting cyber crime is useful so that the TCSO can put out the information to the public. When specific cyber crime events get to a certain level, they are able to call in their Federal investigation partners.
https://tehamaso.org/report-a-crime/ is the link to report a crime to TCSO.
call 530-824-7000 if you live in Corning and https://www.rbpd.org/how_do_i/file_report_online/index.php for Red Bluff.
Here are some ideas on how to safeguard against cyber fraud:
1. Strong, Unique Passwords: Use complex and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Consider using a password manager to keep track of these passwords securely. Avoid common words or phrases and include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.
2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of identification beyond just a password, such as a code sent to your phone.
3. Regular Software Updates: Keep your operating system, antivirus software, and other applications up to date. Software updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals.
4. Secure Wi-Fi Networks: Avoid conducting sensitive transactions over public Wi-Fi networks. Ensure your home Wi-Fi is secured with a strong password, and consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for additional security.
5. Beware of Phishing Attempts: Be vigilant about emails or messages that ask for personal information or direct you to websites where you need to enter sensitive data. Always verify the sender and be cautious about clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. MEME
6. Monitor Financial Transactions: Regularly check your bank statements and credit reports for any unauthorized transactions or changes. Early detection of fraud can limit its impact.
7. Educate Yourself About Scams: Stay informed about the latest types of cyber fraud. Scammers often use current events, like pandemics or natural disasters, to exploit victims.
8. Secure Your Devices: Use anti-virus software and ensure that your devices are locked with a password or biometric security. This is particularly important for mobile devices, which can easily be lost or stolen.
9. Be Wary of Unsolicited Requests for Information: Whether it's over the phone, via email, or through social media, be cautious of requests for personal information. Legitimate organizations typically do not ask for sensitive data in this manner. When you are participating in social media games, you should NEVER post your birthdate, your address, or any personal information that you might have used as a security question.
10. Back Up Your Data: Regularly back up important data to an external drive or cloud service. In the event of a cyberattack, such as ransomware, this can be your safety net.
In conclusion, protecting yourself from cyber fraud involves a combination of technological solutions and personal vigilance. By staying informed and cautious, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime.