June is Internet Safety Month

The internet has become essential to most people’s daily lives, and in online spaces, things can change quickly – so knowing the latest tips on how to keep yourself safe and your privacy protected becomes more important every day! Here are some of DATCP’s most common internet safety issues.

Imposter Websites

Scammers create copycat websites that look nearly identical to real companies’ sales platforms. Well known sellers like Amazon and Walmart have been impersonated. They offer great deals on popular products to lure shoppers in, then steal your payment information when you “check out.”

TIPS: It can be difficult to tell the site you are using is a fake. Until you can verify a website is legitimate, never enter any personal info; even if you don’t finish the purchase, websites could potentially track any information you enter. Check the web address and cross reference it with links on the company’s official social media profiles – even small differences can indicate a scam. Use credit cards when making online purchases, as this payment method offers the best protection against fraud.

Social Media Privacy

Something as simple as a photo of your home or apartment building can be enough to identify your location, a post about an upcoming vacation can indicate an opportunity to steal from you, or a video of you speaking can be used to copy your voice using A.I. – leading to convincing scam calls against your friends or family!

TIPS: DATCP wants consumers to remember the importance of privacy on social media profiles. If everyone can see your profile, then anyone can use that information to scam or defraud you – or someone you know. Consider making your accounts private so you’re in control of who sees your posts.

Account Takeovers

Email and social media accounts can be taken over by scammers and used to trick other people in the victim’s network. The process usually starts with a phishing scam – when a scammer tricks you into giving them private information. Phishing attacks can be sent by email, texts and other messaging apps, or even through a web browser.

TIPS: In the wrong hands, details like your email address, phone number, and password can be used to lock you out of your own account. More serious account takeovers might lead to identity theft. Never give anyone the phone number associated with your social media accounts. Never agree to send someone else a security code sent to your phone or email – even if it’s someone you know. Do not open links or attachments in any messages you didn’t expect to receive. If you receive a login attempt notification that didn’t come from you, change your password right away.

Passwords and Login Info

If a scammer gains access to one of your accounts, they may be able to use it to take over other accounts too. A compromised Facebook profile could potentially compromise your email, and with access to your inbox a scammer might even be able to take control of your financial accounts. This is because many people reuse the same password on multiple accounts.

TIPS: Use different passwords for all your online accounts. Passwords should be long and memorable to you, but difficult to guess. Try using a password manager program or a passphrase. Consider activating two-factor authentication to provide an extra layer of security to your online accounts – this adds a step to the process of logging in so that you must verify any login attempt before it is completed. Even if a scammer acquires your password, two-factor authentication makes your direct approval the last line of defense against account theft.