Cybersecurity awareness – How to avoid 4 common scams

(NC) There is no better time than right now to educate yourself about the dangers of online cyber threats, and enhance your cyber literacy.

In 2023, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received fraud reports totalling more than $554 million in losses, an almost 40 per cent increase compared to 2021. And this may not be an exact figure because most fraud goes unreported.

To help you better understand what to watch out for and avoid falling victim, here are descriptions of four common scams currently being used by fraudsters.

Job scams
Job scams can arrive via unexpected text messages or emails from someone pretending to be a recruiter or hiring manager. Fraudsters will sometimes advertise these fake jobs on legitimate job search websites, in classified ads, and through direct email or texts, with fake offers of “easy money.” Always research any job offers you receive and apply only through official company websites or recognized job boards.

Phishing
Phishing is a method used by scammers to send emails or other messages masquerading as reputable sources to deceive you into giving away personal or financial details, such as your bank account information, credit card numbers, passwords or Social Insurance Number. Avoid clicking on suspicious links, keep your apps and anti-virus software up to date, enable two-step verification and log into services using biometrics when available.

Investment fraud
Targets can be tricked into “investing” large sums of money into fake investments, with “get-rich-quick” promises — money they will never see again. Exercise caution when approached by anyone you don't know. Also keep your personal details, such as phone number, address and familial connections hidden from public view as much as possible.

Online shopping fraud
Unfortunately, there are plenty of pitfalls for online shoppers, from websites that post fake “customer” reviews to sites that advertise items at prices that are too good to be true (in hopes of obtaining a customer’s personal and payment information). The simplest form of protection is the ability to recognize when a deal seems too good to be true — and opting to shop somewhere familiar and trusted instead.

If something appears too good to be true, it usually is. Whether it’s jobs, easy investments or low prices, people should be aware and verify who is contacting them before disclosing their personal or financial information.

“At TD, fostering a ‘Cyber Guardian Culture’ is an important part of our culture, with our cybersecurity professionals taking pride in educating our colleagues by enhancing their awareness about potential threats and sharing the information they need to protect the bank and our customers data,” says chief information security officer for TD Bank, Glenn Foster. “Colleagues contribute to our security by reporting suspicious emails and participating in ongoing cyber literacy and cyber awareness training, staying ahead of fraudsters and the emerging threats they come up with.”

What to do if you’re the target of cyber fraud
The first thing is to remember that you’re far from alone, and there’s no reason to feel embarrassed.

• Report it: Contact your bank and the police immediately. It is also advised that you report the fraud incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
• Talk about it: If you’ve fallen victim to a scam, share your story. The more people who know about these scams, the harder it may be for fraudsters to take advantage of others.