Stay Safe Online with Advia
- What is Cybersecurity Month?
- Common Online Scams
- Expert Insights: Stay Safe Online
- What to Do If You Believe You’ve Fallen Victim
- Advia: Your Partner in Fraud Prevention
Did you know October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month? It’s the perfect time to take a moment and think about how secure your personal information really is online. From banking to shopping and everything in between, we’re more connected than ever—and that means more risks. At Advia Credit Union, we’re all about helping our members stay financially safe, both online and off.
What is Cybersecurity Awareness Month?
Cybersecurity Awareness Month started in 2004 as a way to raise awareness about online safety. The idea is simple: make sure everyone—individuals and businesses alike—knows how to protect their information online. Each October, organizations across the country share tips and resources to help people understand digital security and take steps to stay protected.
Common Online Scams
Online scammers are always looking for ways to trick people out of their hard-earned funds, but we are here to help you stay informed! Here are some common scams to keep an eye out for:
- Phishing emails are one of the most common scams. These emails try to trick you into sharing personal information by pretending to be from a trusted source, like your financial institution or a retailer. They often include urgent language, suspicious links, or attachments.
- Remote job opportunities promise high-paying work or easy money. Scammers may ask for personal details or upfront payments for "training" or equipment, but the job doesn’t actually exist.
- Sweepstake scams trick people into believing they've won a prize. Scammers ask for personal information or payment to claim the prize, but there’s no actual reward—just a scheme to steal your money or data.
- Another emerging scam involves AI Voice Scams, where fraudsters use technology to mimic the voice of someone you know, like a family member or co-worker. Scammers may call pretending to be this person, such as your grandchild or grandparent, asking for money or sensitive information. The realistic-sounding voice makes it easy to fall for, but the request is fake.
- Speaking of grandparents – did you know senior citizens are frequently targeted by fraudsters? The Federal Bureau of Investigation's 2023 Elder Fraud Report shows a staggering $3 billion loss, with complaints from individuals 60 and older increasing by 11% from the previous year.
These are just a few examples of the many scams out there. To stay ahead of the latest fraud trends and protect yourself, be sure to check out Advia's Financial Blog for updates designed to help you navigate the online world safely.
Expert Insights: Stay Safe Online
Protecting yourself from online scams can be straightforward with a few simple steps. According to Advia's fraud experts, here are some recommendations to help you stay safe:
- Be cautious with unsolicited emails and phone calls asking for personal information.
- Enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.
- Keep your devices and software up to date.
- Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts.
- Check your financial statements regularly for any suspicious activity.
- Stay informed about the latest scams to keep yourself one step ahead.
What to Do If You Believe You’ve Fallen Victim
If you believe you may have fallen victim to a scam, it’s important to act quickly. Here are the steps you should take:
- Stop all communication with the scammer and avoid sharing any more personal information.
- Change your passwords immediately for any accounts that may be compromised.
- Report the scam to your local authorities and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
- Notify your credit union and credit card companies right away to prevent further losses if you’ve lost money or had your personal information stolen.
- Monitor your credit report to identify any unauthorized activity.
Remember, you’re not alone, and taking these steps can help protect you from further harm.
Advia: Your Partner in Fraud Prevention
Our team is dedicated to protecting you and your loved ones from fraud. Your financial safety is our primary concern, and we’re here to assist you in identifying and avoiding common scams.
For additional tips on fraud prevention, be sure to explore our Financial Blog. You can also visit our ID Theft Protection page and Security Hub for additional information, including forming a recovery action plan, recommended online resources, and much more.