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Valentine’s Day Scams & Cyber Attacks
Valentine’s Day Scams & Cyber Attacks
Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day, but so are cybercriminals. The sweetest of cards and gifts can come with a hidden agenda – phony florists, online dating scams, electronic greeting card ploys… These con artists have all been working overtime to steal your information – don’t let them get away with it! Stay one step ahead by recognizing these red flags and protecting yourself against any suspicious activity on love’s special day.
https://blog.knowbe4.com/scam-of-the-week-valentines-day-phishing-attacks
The FBI has identified these warning signs.
Beware of potential romantic partners making overly eager attempts to connect with you through email and messaging services. Some may claim they are from the U.S., yet live or travel abroad, touting it as “destiny” or “fate”. These people might even report a sudden crisis in their life and pressure you into providing financial assistance -without ever meeting up face-to-face! Be wary if someone suddenly disappears off of a site but then reappears under another name asking for money, goods, or other forms of help without having met in person first.
As always, your safety is in your hands.
- Request a voice phone or a video call. If they have a reason that they cannot do this, then you have a reason to disconnect, block and report them. This is the 21st There is no reason they cannot comply with your request.
- Be aware of phishing emails and other cyber scams targeting Valentine’s Day. Be especially cautious of any emails or messages that include links, attachments, or requests for personal information.
- When shopping for Valentine’s gifts online, do your research to make sure you are dealing with a reputable store. Check reviews and ratings to ensure they are reputable.
- Ensure your computer and devices have the latest security updates installed, as outdated software is a common target for attackers.
- Use secure payment methods such as credit cards or PayPal when making purchases online. Avoid using wire transfers or mailing cash or gift cards.
- Be vigilant when opening emails, texts, or other messages on Valentine’s Day. Check the sender’s address and look for any spelling or grammar errors that could signify a phishing attack.
- Don’t click links or attachments unless you are certain that they are legitimate. Always hover over a link in an email message before you click on it. Do not click unless it is obviously a legitimate link. When you hover over a link; a popup will show you where it leads. Don’t click if the link doesn’t match the company that is supposed to have sent the message.
- Avoid downloading any email attachments, especially if the sender is unfamiliar. Remember that some scams may use spoofed emails that appear to originate from a trusted source.
- Be aware of fraudulent offers and deals in Valentine’s Day sales and advertisements. Do not respond to emails or popups offering free gifts or discounts for shopping online.
- Ensure the website is secure before making a purchase; look for the “https” in the website’s URL, as well as a padlock icon. Avoid any sites that don’t have these security features.
Stay Informed Stay Safe
Daniel Kilburn
America’s Save Your Life Coach
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