Fraud Watch December 2024: 10 Ways to Stay Safe from Cybercrimes

Cybercrime losses continue to exceed $10 billion every year, often marking double-digit percentage increases from one year to the next. There are many ways that scammers can trick you into their web of deceit. Stay ahead of these criminals and resolve to be scam free in 2025 with these 10 ways to protect yourself and your money.

10 Ways to Stay Protected Against Cybercrimes

1. Beware of “Urgent” Account Notifications
   Do not act immediately. Never respond to any account compromise over phone or text. Contact the organization directly through an official phone number if you feel there is a threat.
2. Secure Your Devices and Accounts
   Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and keep your device software and antivirus updated. Keeping your devices and software updated helps protect you from being hacked.
3. Exercise Caution to Unsolicited Communications Requesting Personal Information
   Verify the source and confirm the legitimacy of such requests. Contact the “sender” or business through an official phone number and/or website.
4. Verify All Websites and Emails
   If an email is from an unknown sender or unsolicited, go to the website directly instead of clicking on the email link.
5. Initiate Contact, Never Trust a Call, Text, or Email
   It’s best to contact businesses yourself instead of trusting a call, text, or email that appears to be fraudulent.
6. Avoid Clicking Links or Responding to Unexpected Requests
   If a business asks you to click on a link or call a number immediately, disengage right away. Contact the company directly and report the incident.
7. Don’t Trust Caller ID
   Scammers spoof phone numbers and impersonate businesses and people easily.
8. Never Share Sensitive Information
   Avoid sharing any sensitive and personal information including account passwords, phone passcodes, and social security numbers.
9. Practice Safe Online Behavior
   Be cautious about what you share online and on social media, especially when you’re out of town; your home could be an easy target.
10. Buy Only from Reputable Merchants
    Your peace of mind can end at the click of a button, so be sure you’re making purchases from reputable businesses.

How to Report a Scam

No matter how severely you’ve been scammed, take action immediately if you’ve fallen victim to fraud.

• Contact the business/merchant and financial institution to report the incident.
• File a complaint with the FTC, FBI, and CFPB.
• Consider freezing your credit.

Source of this month’s scam information:

https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/2024-CYBER-CRIME-Advisory-Report.pdf