Online Safety
Stay Safe Online: Trusted Resources for Cybersecurity and Scam Prevention
In today’s digital age, staying informed and proactive about cybersecurity and scams is more important than ever. Below, you’ll find trusted resources to help you learn about common scams, protect yourself online, and take action if you’ve been targeted.
Learn About Cybersecurity and Scams
Knowledge is the first line of defense. Explore these resources to understand cybersecurity basics, identify scams, and learn how to protect your personal and financial information.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Online Security: https://consumer.ftc.gov/online-security
- Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): https://www.cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-program
- National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA): https://staysafeonline.org
- Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC): https://www.idtheftcenter.org
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
Act quickly to limit the damage. If you suspect you’ve been scammed, these resources will guide you through the next steps:
- FTC – Report Fraud and Scams: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
- IdentityTheft.gov: https://www.identitytheft.gov
- IRS – Identity Theft Central: https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central
- Social Security Administration – Fraud Hotline: https://oig.ssa.gov/scam
Report Scams and Cybercrimes
Reporting helps prevent others from falling victim. Use these official channels to report scams and online fraud:
- Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): https://www.ic3.gov
- FTC – ReportFraud.ftc.gov: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker: https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): https://www.consumerfinance.gov
- State Attorney General’s Office: https://www.naag.org/find-my-ag
Stay Updated and Protected
Prevention is the best protection. Stay informed and proactive with these tools:
- Have I Been Pwned?: https://haveibeenpwned.com
- National Do Not Call Registry: https://www.donotcall.gov
- Get Safe Online (UK): https://www.getsafeonline.org
- AARP Fraud Watch Network: https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud
Do’s and Don’ts of Scams and Cybersecurity
Do:
- Use Strong Passwords
- Create complex passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication
- Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Verify Links Before Clicking
- Hover over links to check their destination before clicking.
- Keep Software Updated
- Regularly update your operating system, browser, and antivirus software.
- Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Contact
- Treat unexpected emails, calls, or messages with caution, especially if they ask for sensitive information.
- Secure Your Devices
- Use a passcode or biometric lock on phones and computers.
- Monitor Your Accounts
- Check bank statements and credit reports regularly for suspicious activity.
- Report Suspicious Activity
- Notify the appropriate authorities if you suspect a scam or cybersecurity breach.
Don’t:
- Don’t Share Personal Information Freely
- Avoid giving out sensitive details over phone, email, or text unless you initiate contact.
- Don’t Click on Unverified Links
- Be cautious with links in unsolicited emails or texts, even if they look legitimate.
- Don’t Trust Offers That Seem Too Good to Be True
- Be wary of deals, prizes, or urgent requests for money or information.
- Don’t Use Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Transactions
- Avoid logging into accounts or making payments over unsecured public networks.
- Don’t Ignore Red Flags
- Poor grammar, urgent language, or requests for secrecy are common scam tactics.
- Don’t Reuse Passwords
- Use unique passwords for each account to limit exposure in case of a breach.
- Don’t Download Unknown Attachments
- Attachments from unknown or unexpected senders can contain malware.
- Don’t Panic If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
- Take a deep breath, document what happened, and follow steps to secure your accounts and report the issue.
Final Thoughts
Protecting yourself online is a shared responsibility. By staying informed and vigilant, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to scams and cybercrimes. Explore the resources above, and don’t hesitate to take action if you suspect fraudulent activity.
