The internet is a great tool for shopping, banking, and staying connected with friends and family. But it’s also a place where scammers will try to trick people into giving away money or personal information. These scams can look very real, so it’s important to know what to watch out for.
Your online safety is especially important when it comes to your personal and business financial information. That’s why we want to help you learn how to spot scams and protect yourself online. Let’s look at some of the most common scams and how to avoid them.
Payment Scams: “Send Me Money and I’ll Make You Rich!”
Have you ever received an enticing message that says you can make money fast? These payment scams often show up on social media, in emails, or even through phone calls. It might be someone offering to “flip your money,” by turning $700 into $3,000 – but after sending them your banking information and the initial amount, they disappear and you never receive the promised return. Or, someone might contact you with an ‘investment opportunity,’ claiming they can make you $15,000 – all you have to do is send them $500. If they hook you the first time, they may even show you fake charts that show your money is growing – but it’s just a trick for you to send them more. And when you ask to cash out, they no longer exist.
To stay safe, watch for offers that sound too good to be true. Never send money and your bank account information to someone you don’t know and always check with a real person you trust before making an investment.
Tech Support Scams: “Your Computer Has a Problem!”
You might be browsing the internet when a pop-up appears warning that your computer has a virus. Or you might get a phone call from someone claiming to be from tech support. They say they can fix the supposed problem – but only if you let them control your computer. This is a tech support scam. The person on the other end isn’t trying to help, they’re trying to steal your personal or financial information.
If this happens, don’t panic. Never give control of your computer to someone you don’t know. Even if it sounds urgent, close the pop-up, hang up the phone, and talk to someone you trust. And if you think your information may be compromised, contact your bank to secure your accounts and talk to a real tech expert.
Phishing Scams: “Click This Link!”
Phishing scams are sneaky. They often come in the form of emails or text messages that appear to be from someone you trust, like a familiar company or a family member. The message might say there’s a problem with an account or that you’ve won a prize and to “click this link” to proceed. But the link actually leads to a fake website designed to look real and if you enter your information, it can be stolen and used to access your accounts.
To protect yourself, don’t click links from people you don’t know. Even if a message looks real, check the sender’s email address or phone number carefully. If something feels off, don’t respond – rather, call the company directly to confirm if it is real.
Four Easy Ways to Stay Safe Online
Protect yourself – and your accounts – every day with these simple actions:
Use Strong Passwords: Make your passwords hard to guess, but easy for you to remember. For example, a sentence like “MyDogLoves2ChaseSquirrels!” is both stronger and safer than a random sequence of numbers, letters and symbols.
Turn On Two-Factor Authentication: This adds an extra layer of security. After you enter your password, you’ll also need to enter a code sent to your phone or email. It helps keep your accounts safe even if someone guesses your password.
Keep Your Software Updated: Security updates fix problems that scammers try to exploit. Make sure your phone, computer, and applications are always up to date.
Be Skeptical: If you get a message or offer that seems strange or too good to be true, stop and think. Don’t click on anything until you’re sure it’s safe. When in doubt, ask someone you trust.
A Final Reminder from Eastern Bank
We will never ask for your personal or banking information in an email. If you ever get a message that seems suspicious, don’t click anything. Visit this Privacy & Security information to learn more or contact us directly.
The Banking Team at Eastern Bank can help you understand a range of ways to strengthen your business cybersecurity practices and stay safe online. Contact us to learn more.
The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Eastern Bankshares, Inc., Eastern Bank, or any affiliated entities. Views and opinions expressed are current as of the date appearing on this material; all views and opinions herein are subject to change without notice. These views and opinions should not be construed as any specific recommendation. This material is for your private information and we are not soliciting any action based on it. The information in this content has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable but its accuracy is not guaranteed. There is neither representation nor warranty as to the accuracy of, nor liability for any decisions made based on such information.
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