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Online Info Blog: BBB warns about Valentine’s Day scams

Flower Fails

Because of the amount of money that consumers are expected to spend this Valentine’s Day on flowers, consumers can be certain that scammers and unscrupulous businesses will also be looking to benefit. To ensure that a Valentine’s Day bouquet is delivered as planned, follow these scam savvy tips:

- Let the BBB guide purchases. Research trusted florists and gift shops, check out customer reviews, and look for scams at bbb.org.
- Pick up the phone or visit the shop. Even if ordering online, visit or chat with the brick-and-mortar shop prior to making a purchase. Discuss the arrangement you are looking for, inquire about guarantees and ask about delivery times. Don’t make a payment until the order is clearly outlined and always ask for a receipt.
- Watch for unsolicited calls and emails. This time of year, phishing scams spike for those looking to treat loved ones with flowers and gifts. Fake e-cards can carry viruses, and unsolicited emails claiming to require additional funds for gift delivery are common.

Beware of Cupid Cons

The Internet’s ability to connect people through social media and online dating has been a godsend for many single folks. But with that convenience come opportunities for scammers to prey on the love-struck.
This is a common narrative with many Valentine’s Day scams. An interesting stranger builds a fake relationship with an unsuspecting target through phone or video calls, texts and emails. Eventually, the scammer claims to be experiencing a financial hardship — or begs for funds to come visit the love-struck victim. After money is exchanged, the scammer cuts off contact. These types of scams are tricky because scammers know how to make people feel vulnerable and how to get them to do what they want.

How do you avoid a Cupid con? Looking out for the following red flags can help protect both your heart and wallet:

- Your new friend is a constant no-show. Traveling for business, house-sitting for an out-of-state friend, visiting family far away and other last-minute schedule changes are all common excuses scammers use to avoid meeting people face-to-face. An interested girl – or boyfriend would normally want to make time to get to know you better in person. So, if a new love interest is avoiding you, it’s time to get a little suspicious.

- Their social media profiles don’t match, are very new or are nonexistent. Contact information, pictures and background information the person shares with you should match what you see on their social media profiles. A shortage of online friends and contacts, stock photos and spelling/grammatical errors can be clues that you are being wooed by a scammer.

- They ask you for money. Asking for a loan from even the closest of friends can be uncomfortable (not to mention unwise), so why would a new love be boldly asking you for cash? From medical emergencies to claims of being robbed — a romantic scammer isn’t afraid to brazenly beg. Be particularly wary of anyone asking you to send funds via wire transfer or a gift card. And never give money or share banking information with someone that you have not met in person or don’t know very well.

Security and Risk Online: Basic Precautions to Protect your Identity Online

Do you feel protected from hackers? Do you still think that until now, your online accounts or money hasn’t been hacked yet? Whether you know it or not, hackers have probably hacked your online accounts already. And maybe, your personal details are currently in the black market on sale and available for viewing.

While it may be pretty much difficult to completely protect yourself online, taking some basic precautions can make your identity less appealing target for cybercriminals.

Take note of the following simple ways to keep your identity safe when you’re online:

1. To check if your personal information has been already compromised, you can check it by using this site: hasmyidentitybeenstolen.com which is a legit site that lets you input your email to determine whether your details have been stolen or not and if it is already available for viewing in the black market.

2. Regularly monitor your online bills and statements for any suspicious transactions that you know for yourself you haven’t made. Checking account balances and financial transactions using a software application like Mint.com or CreditKarma.com are one of the best ways to help detect fraud and stop it before it gets out of control.

3. Make sure to boost the security of your Wi-Fi connection at home by resetting the factory password on your wireless router. When accessing public Wi-Fi, do not choose to bank online or login your social accounts because free, public Wi-Fi and hotspots are prone from cyberattacks.

4. For added security, ensure that your system is up-to-date. There’s a reason why your software is requiring for an update so don’t get annoyed with the constant notifications that keep on popping up on your computer or device. Downloading the latest version of your software will guarantee that you’ve got the most current security measure in place.

5. Be cautious of phishing scams, they will send legit looking emails claiming that they are from a reputable company and will ask for the confirmation of your personal and financial details. Do not fall for this kind of trick!

Online Info Blog: Essential tips on preventing fraud

Cyber criminals defraud millions of people each year stealing millions of dollars from victims and continue to invade the internet using various scheme and techniques.

Their target is always our money so they will do everything to obtain private information and financial data from us. For this reason, we need to protect ourselves from their evil schemes. Here are some that might help you escape from becoming a victim.

- Destroy receipts, bank statements or invoices and important documents that contain your personal information using a paper shredder to retain its confidentiality.
- Be updated on latest modus operandi of fraudsters on ATM’s or cash machines. Before withdrawing, check the machine for any signs of tampering and if you find one, report it immediately to the police or concerned bank.
- When shopping online, consider the use of Verified by Visa or Mastercard SecureCode for added layer of security when transacting online.
- I know that you have heard this many times but once again, frequently change your passwords for extra security. Choose a password that cannot be easily guessed, I advise to create a password with a combination of number, letters, and special characters and don’t use the same password on all of your online accounts.
- Keep your personal information private. Make sure to background check the people or organization you are dealing with before giving any sensitive information to them.
- Keep track of your transactions and compare it to your bank statements. If you find an error or any unauthorized activity then contact your bank immediately to settle any suspicious activity on your account.
- Don’t be a victim of fake emails where they are asking for your bank details or offering free trials and gift coupons. Ignore emails from unknown senders and contact your bank instead for your concerns.
- Install and keep your antivirus updated. You are leaving yourself vulnerable if your antivirus software isn’t updated against the most current viruses that have been created by cybercriminals.
- Frequently check your credit file as it records details regarding all your dealings. There might be unauthorized or fraudulent activities on your credit reports so make sure to keep track of all changes.
- Make sure that your firewall is in place because hackers might steal your sensitive personal information if you don’t have a barrier between you and the internet.