It "Can't Happen to Me?": "Online Theft"

Online theft is a serious problem that affects millions of people.  

The following examples occur far too often: 

Have you received any of the following?  Within the past week?  

    Text messages that suggest that "there is a problem with your package delivery, click here..."  

    Texts that suggest that "there is a problem with your bank account, click here..."

    Texts that you owe money...click here...

Protect Yourself

Protecting yourself from online theft is essential to keep personal information, finances, and identity safe. 

Avoid weak and "re-used" passwords.  

Use a "password manager" to manage your passwords and help you create passwords that are less likely to be hacked. Passwords may be the only barrier that hackers and cybercriminals have to gain access to your sensitive information.

Do not click on links that request your personal information!!  

"Phishing" is a type of cyber-attack that aims to steal your personal information or money by tricking you into revealing sensitive details on fraudulent websites. 

Enable multi-factor authorization.  

This is essential for your online banking and every online purchase.  For anyone to log into your account, they must have access to not only your username and password, but also to a computer-generated code that is send to your phone or email.  

- All financial accounts must have both encryption and authentication.  Lock your financial account(s).  Most financial firms provide tools where you can lock your financial account.  Disbursements from your account cannot occur until you remove the lock. 

Instead of using a credit card for online purchases, use "PayPal" or similar 3rd party payment. 

Keep your computer operating system up-to-date.  

Operating systems, such as "Microsoft Windows" and "Apple IOS" have "built-in" security features. Assure that system security features are "switched on".  

Enable spam filters on your e-mail accounts. 

Never Provide your Password, Personal Information, or Credit Card

"Beware of scammers posing as your bank, credit card company."  NEVER provide your password, personal information or credit card.  Delete and report the message. 

Store sensitive documents, including financial, in a personal digital vault

...that only you can access. Digital vaults, the equivalent of a "safe deposit box" are not just "nice-to-have" but are an absolute "must have" technology to safeguard, manage, and handle sensitive documents.  

CALL TO ACTION: What do I need to do to protect myself from "online theft"?


                                                Photo: L. McCallister.  Oahu, Hawaii


RESOURCES THAT MIGHT BE HELPFUL..

"Help Protect Yourself Online: 6 Best Strategies to Safeguard Against Online Fraud".  Greg Garrision.  Gobankingrates.  Help Protect Yourself Online: 6 Best Strategies to Safeguard Against Online Fraud | GOBankingRates

"Digital Safety Deposit Box (What is it & How it Works)".  Trustworthy.com.  Digital Safety Deposit Box (What Is It & How It Works) - Trustworthy: The Family Operating System® 

"A Digital Vault to Store Information for Your Heirs" Wall Street Journal.  A Digital Vault to Store Information for Your Heirs - WSJ

"The 8 Best Vault Apps of 2023".  Lifewire.  The 8 Best Vault Apps of 2023 (lifewire.com)

"10 Best ("Really Free") Password Managers in 2023".  Sam Boyd.  10 Best (REALLY FREE) Password Managers in 2023 (safetydetectives.com)


SO...What'd we miss??

We welcome your comments: What are you doing to "prevent online fraud"?

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