Keep it Safe: your guide to cyber safety

We all know the internet can be a sketchy place, so here’s an easy guide to all things cyber security. We know you probably know, but why not double check? Better safe than scammed.

Watch out for these 9 common cyber scams:

1. Identity theft

Scammers can steal your personal info, card numbers or login info to commit fraud and/or access your financials. Yikes! Be sure to keep tabs on your accounts.

2. Impostor scams

A scammer pretends to be someone you trust, like family, friends or even your financial institution. Scammers will then use that trust to manipulate you into giving them sensitive information or money. No thanks!

3. Phishing / Smishing / Quishing

These three types of scams involve fraudulent emails, texts or websites in the form of QR codes that mimic the real deal to trick you into giving away sensitive info like passwords or card numbers.

4. Ransomware

Scammers encrypt your files and hold them for ransom. They’ll demand payment (usually in crypto) for the key to free your files.

5. Tech support scams

Scammers pretend to be tech support like the classic “your computer has been hacked!” pop ups. Typically they want remote access to your device, or payment for fake support services.

6. Fake online shopping websites

Remember when your parents thought buying anything online was a scam? Well, some scammers do use fake web stores to steal your financial info or scam you with fake and/or low-quality products.

7. Investment scams

Scammers will use fake investment opportunities or cryptocurrency schemes to trick you into making investments that result in losses. Not cool..

8. Social media scams

Scammers love social media too. They’ll share malicious links and try to trick you into sharing personal information through fake giveaways or sponsorships. Sometimes they’ll even pretend to romance you. Ick.

9. Data breaches

Scammers will break into systems or databases to steal sensitive info like records, passwords or intellectual property. They sell this info on the dark web or use it for cyber attacks.

10. Tax Scams

Scammers look to trick taxpayers and tax pros with a number of schemes, such as phishing with the promise of unexpected tax refunds, setting up fake charities and accounts, or misleading people into claiming tax credits for which they’re not entitled.

11. AI Scams

AI is fueling new and sophisticated scams, including deepfake technology for impersonation, AI-driven chatbots for fake customer service, voice cloning for urgent financial requests, and job offer scams using AI-generated profiles.

12. Job Offer Scams

Job offer scams involve cybercriminals creating fake job listings to trick job seekers into providing personal information or paying upfront fees, often promising high salaries for minimal work.