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
- Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
- National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA)
- Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC)
- CSO Online – Security news and risk management insights.
- The Hacker News – Plain-English cybersecurity updates.
- Graham Cluley – Weekly insights into cybersecurity threats.
- Dark Reading – Professional community discussing security topics.
- BankInfoSecurity – News on fraud, compliance, and risk management.
- AARP Fraud Watch Network – Scam prevention resources.
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
- IdentityTheft.gov
- IRS – Identity Theft Central
- Social Security Administration – Fraud Hotline
- Cybercrime.gov
- StopFraud.gov
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)
- FTC – ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- State Attorney General’s Office
Stay Updated and Protected
Prevention is the best protection. Stay informed and proactive with these tools:
- Have I Been Pwned? – Check if your email or password was leaked.
- Firefox Monitor – Tracks breaches linked to your email.
- BreachAlarm – Monitors email breaches.
- DeHashed – Deep search engine for breached data.
- GhostProject – Searches for leaked passwords.
- Experian Free Dark Web Scan – Checks if personal data is on the dark web.
- National Do Not Call Registry
- https://www.njohsp.gov/home
How to Freeze Your Credit
A credit freeze prevents fraudsters from opening accounts in your name. It’s free and does not affect your credit score.
To freeze your credit, contact each credit bureau:
- Experian: Experian Credit Freeze | 1-888-397-3742 | P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013
- Equifax: Equifax Security Freeze| 1-800-349-9960 | P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348
- TransUnion: TransUnion Credit Freeze | 1-888-909-8872 | P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094
To temporarily lift a freeze:
- Log in to the credit bureau’s website.
- Call the credit bureau and provide your PIN or password.
- Online and phone requests process within an hour; mail requests take several days.
Reporting Phishing and Fraud Attempts
If you receive a phishing email, forward it to the appropriate service:
- Gmail (Google): phishing@google.com
- Outlook/Hotmail (Microsoft): phish@office365.microsoft.com
- Yahoo Mail: abuse@yahoo.com
- FTC: reportphishing@apwg.org
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: Submit online
Do’s and Don’ts of Scams and Cybersecurity
Do:
✔ Use Strong Passwords – Combine letters, numbers, and symbols. ✔ Enable Two-Factor Authentication – Add extra security. ✔ Verify Links Before Clicking – Hover to check destinations. ✔ Keep Software Updated – Regularly update OS, browsers, and antivirus. ✔ Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Contact – Avoid unexpected requests for sensitive info. ✔ Secure Your Devices – Use passcodes or biometric locks. ✔ Monitor Your Accounts – Check bank statements and credit reports regularly. ✔ Report Suspicious Activity – Notify authorities if you suspect a scam.
Don’t:
❌ Share Personal Information Freely – Only provide details to trusted sources. ❌ Click on Unverified Links – Be wary of links in emails or messages. ❌ Trust Offers That Seem Too Good to Be True – Scammers use fake deals and prizes. ❌ Use Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Transactions – Avoid unsecured networks. ❌ Ignore Red Flags – Watch for poor grammar, urgency, and secrecy requests. ❌ Reuse Passwords – Use unique passwords for different accounts. ❌ Download Unknown Attachments – They may contain malware. ❌ Panic If You’ve Been Scammed – Take action quickly to secure accounts and report fraud.
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.
