HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SCAMS

Scams exist because we let our guard down. They succeed because they are getting smarter in finding ways who to victimize by use of technology. Let’s outsmart them and protect ourselves using these D-I-V-E techniques.

D – Don’t

• Don’t give others remote access to your computer. Use multi factor password authenticator, choose password with a combination of alphanumeric symbols and characters. Don’t share your password and don’t recycle password.
• Don’t use public Wi-Fi/hotspot in accessing bank apps/websites.
• Don’t send money or give your bank information to anyone you don’t know. If you need to send money, make sure to verify by calling this person first and confirm information through telephone call and not through text or email.

I – Ignore

• Ignore phone calls received from companies pretending to be a government agency/bank and asking for remote access. Scammers would install virus and make your computer data vulnerable.
• Ignore suspicious text, links, attachment, and pop-up windows if your unsure who is the sender.

V – Verify

• Verify background information of person you are meeting for a business transaction, do a little bit of research of a company, check any reviews. Always be alert.
• If you receive an email from a friend and it seems off, contact your friend directly and verify this information. Scammers would imitate similar email. 

E – Examine

• Examine and review your privacy and security settings on social media (example Facebook, Instagram, twitter, etc.). Check if you notice any suspicious behaviour online and report as spam.
• When throwing out important bills/statements/financial information, examine that anything with bank/financial information should be shredded or redacted.