Important Security Message: Staying Safe on Social Media and Online

As you navigate the vast online world, it's essential to stay safe on social media and online. A single click or tap can compromise your personal data and leave you vulnerable to cyber threats.

Be cautious of phishing scams that can trick you into revealing sensitive information. According to the article, "phishing scams are a type of social engineering attack where attackers send fake emails or messages that appear to be from a legitimate source."

Keep your social media accounts private and secure by using strong, unique passwords. Change your passwords regularly, especially if you've used the same password across multiple platforms.

Make sure to keep your operating system and browser up to date, as outdated software can leave you exposed to security risks.

Microsoft never sends unsolicited emails or makes unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information, or to provide technical support to fix your computer. If you didn't ask them to, they won't call you to offer support.

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Error and warning messages from Microsoft never include a phone number. If a pop-up or error message appears with a phone number, don't call the number.

Microsoft will never ask that you pay for support in the form of cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, or gift cards. Be wary of downloading software from third-party sites, as some of them might have been modified without the author’s knowledge to bundle malware and other threats.

Use Microsoft Edge when browsing the internet, as it blocks known support scam sites using Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. Also, Microsoft Edge can stop pop-up dialog loops used by these attackers.

Here are some tips to help you protect yourself from tech support scams:

If you get an SMS notification about suspicious activity on one of your accounts, be cautious. Fake suspicious log-in attempt text messages are designed to get you to click on a link and “update” your password. But in reality, scammers are sending you to a phishing site that will steal your old password and lock you out of your account.

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If you encounter a suspicious message or a fraud attempt on Facebook, it's essential to report the incident to Facebook. To do this, click on the downward arrow next to the sender's name and tap "report", following the prompts to specify the reasons why you're reporting the user.

You can also block the user from contacting you in the future using the same menu. Be sure to document proof of the suspicious interaction by taking screenshots of the messages you received, as this will come in handy if you need to file an identity theft claim.

To report tech support scams, visit the Microsoft website and follow the instructions provided. You can also report unsafe websites in Microsoft Edge by selecting Settings and More > Help and Feedback > Report unsafe site.

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If you've been contacted by a scammer on Facebook, don't panic. Report the incident to Facebook by clicking on the downward arrow next to the sender's name and tapping "report". You'll be led through prompts that help specify the reasons why you're reporting the user.

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Take screenshots of the suspicious messages you received as proof of the interaction. This will come in handy if you need to file an identity theft claim in the future. Documenting evidence is crucial in these situations.

To block the user from contacting you in the future, click on the same menu and select "block". This will prevent the user from sending you any further messages.

Here are the steps to report and block a Facebook scammer:

Family emergency messages can be quite convincing, but they're often scams. Here are some warning signs to watch out for.

A scammer will often tell you not to contact the supposed family member, which should raise some red flags. This is because they're trying to isolate you and make you more susceptible to their demands.

If a message asks you to pay through unconventional methods, such as gift cards, it's likely a scam. This is a common tactic used by scammers to get their hands on your money.

You might also be asked to follow a link to reach out to the supposed family member. Don't do it – it's likely a phishing attempt. Always be cautious when clicking on links from unknown senders.

Family emergency messages often try to create a sense of urgency or use a threatening tone. Take a deep breath and don't let fear take over. Instead, verify the information through other means before taking action.

Here are some common patterns to look out for in family emergency messages:

Help Microsoft stop scammers by reporting tech support scams at their dedicated website.

You can also report unsafe websites in Microsoft Edge by selecting Settings and More > Help and Feedback > Report unsafe site when you encounter something suspicious.

Consider notifying your local law enforcement agency.

If you suspect a scam, don't hesitate to report it to help prevent others from falling victim.

Here are some ways to report tech scams:

Delivery Notification scams are a common way for scammers to trick you into giving away your personal info. They'll send you a text that looks like it's from a legitimate delivery service, like Amazon or FedEx.

In the past year, package delivery scams were responsible for over 26% of all spam texts. Scammers will often ask you to click on a link to "set your delivery preferences" or "verify" your identity.

Be wary of texts that ask you to pay money in return for the delivery of a package. This is a red flag, and it's likely a scam.

If you click on the link, you'll be taken to a website that looks like it's from the delivery service. However, the website address will be spoofed to look like it's from a legitimate company, such as "fedx.com" instead of "FedEx.com".

Here are some common signs of a Delivery Notification scam:

Social media can be a great way to connect with friends and family, but it's also a breeding ground for scammers. Americans lost over $1 billion to social media scams in 2022 alone.

To stay safe on social media, secure your online accounts with strong passwords and 2FA. Don't click on links in messages or posts, and adjust your Facebook privacy settings to the most secure options available.

Scammers often impersonate friends or family members to trick you into sending money or personal info. They might send a message out of the blue, claiming to be in an emergency situation, or ask for authentication codes to access your account.

Here are some common red flags to watch out for:

If you spot any of these red flags, trust your gut and don't click on links, respond to messages, or send money. Instead, contact the person through a different communication channel to verify the message.

There are several types of messages that can be considered important security messages. Phishing messages are a common type, designed to trick users into revealing sensitive information.

Phishing messages often come from unknown senders and contain urgent or threatening language.

Authentication messages are also crucial, as they verify the identity of the sender and ensure the message is legitimate.

Messages from Boss/Colleagues can be a red flag. Scammers use LinkedIn to find names of your boss or supervisor and then spoof text messages to look like they're coming from them.

They'll make up a work emergency and request that you send them money or gift cards. According to New York State Attorney General, scammers spoof the employer's real name and phone number, making it seem legitimate.

You should be cautious if you receive a text from your boss requesting gift cards for personal or work-related payment. Be especially cautious if you don't normally contact your boss or colleagues over text.

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Your "boss" might request that you not reach out via phone call – but only by text, usually because they're "in a meeting." The sender might use your full name as it is formatted on LinkedIn or other sites.

Here are some warning signs to look out for:

Gift cards are a preferred form of payment for scammers – in the first nine months of 2021, victims reported losing $148 million to gift card scams.

COVID-19 Vaccine Surveys are a common scam tactic. Scammers are sending texts asking people to take fake COVID-19 vaccine surveys with the promise of "free rewards" in exchange for personal information.

These scams often claim to be from reputable sources, but they're not. Be wary of texts that ask for your personal info in exchange for a reward.

Some common red flags include texts claiming to offer free subscriptions, special government benefits, or stimulus checks. These are all tactics used by scammers to get your personal info.

Here are some common COVID-19 vaccine survey scams to watch out for:

Unrecognized bills or invoices can be a sign of a scam. Fake invoice text scams involve scammers sending fake invoices to customers and requesting payment for goods or services.

You might receive a text telling you that the due date for the payment of your cellphone bill has passed, threatening to disconnect your line if you don't pay in a week. This can be a scam if you've already paid your bill.

Pro tip: Get protection against phishing sites, like Aura's antivirus software, to detect fake websites and warn you before entering sensitive information.

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If you receive a text message claiming to be from Netflix, be cautious. It's likely a scam.

These scammers often use a realistic phone number, hoping you won't bother to check if it's legit. They'll also claim to be from a company you trust, like Netflix, to build trust.

The message will usually create a sense of urgency, trying to get you to act quickly. They might say your account has been compromised or you'll be charged a huge fee if you don't respond.

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One red flag is a link that's shortened or scrambled. Scammers use these to avoid suspicion, but if you click on them, you could download malware or end up on a phishing website.

Here are some signs of a fake Netflix text message:

Remember, Netflix will never text you to update your membership, personal information, or billing information via text or third-party websites.

This type of scam is relatively new and on the rise. Scammers use online tools to manipulate phone networks and make their text messages look like they're coming from your own number.

The goal is to get you to drop your defenses and accidentally click on the phony link. Scammers hope to trick you into visiting a phishing site that will ask for your credit card information to "receive" a gift.

Several Verizon customers on Twitter reported receiving the exact message from their own numbers.

Tech support scams are a common type of message that aims to trick you into paying for unnecessary technical support services.

There are several forms of tech support scams, all of which aim to trick you into believing that your computer needs to be fixed.

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Scams and Phishing are a huge concern for online users. Scammers use various tactics to trick people into sending money or sensitive information.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans lost over $1.2 billion to scams that originated on social media platforms in 2022 alone. Scammers often impersonate friends or family members to gain trust before sending phishing scam messages.

Here are some common red flags to watch out for in scam text messages: unsolicited messages, spoofed phone numbers, shortened or scrambled links, urgent requests for information, and strange grammar or spelling mistakes.

Some common scams include fake bank fraud alert texts, lottery and sweepstakes messages, and refund and overpayment scams. Scammers may also use fake error notifications or malware to trick users into giving up sensitive information.

To protect yourself, be cautious of messages that ask for personal or banking information, and never click on links from unknown senders. Always verify the authenticity of messages by contacting the company directly.

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If you suspect a scam, don't hesitate to report it. You can report tech support scams to Microsoft by visiting their website.

To report a scam on Facebook Messenger, visit the Facebook Help Center and follow their guidelines.

Reporting scams is crucial to stop scammers in their tracks. By reporting, you can help protect others from falling victim to the same scam.

If you're unsure whether a message is a scam, look for red flags like unsolicited messages, strange phone numbers, or links that are shortened or scrambled.

Some common scam text messages to watch out for include those that claim to be from your boss or colleagues, or those that promise rewards or prizes.

Report potential scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and IdentityTheft.gov.

You can also report suspicious activity to your bank or credit card issuer, and consider contacting your local law enforcement agency.

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Here's a list of common scam text message examples:

Be cautious of text messages claiming you won a lottery or giveaway, as scammers use these to lure you into clicking on a link.

These scams often claim to be from companies you know and trust, like Walmart, Amazon, or Apple. They'll say you were randomly chosen based on a recent purchase or even your IP address.

If you're offered a prize for a giveaway you never entered or from a company you haven't engaged with recently, it's likely a scam. Scammers also use a tone that reflects a sense of urgency to pressure you into clicking on the link.

Be aware that the link may take you to a spoofed or different domain than you expected, such as "Walmrat.com" instead of "Walmart.com".

To protect yourself, enable Spam Protection on Android by going to Messages > Settings > Spam Protection.

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Refund and Overpayment scams are a clever trick used by scammers to get your personal details. They claim you're owed money from a company or service, but in reality, it's just a phishing link waiting to be clicked.

The text will usually contain an unrequested or unexpected "refund" amount, which should raise a red flag. You should never click on a link to "confirm" your personal details, as it's likely a phishing attempt.

Scammers know that during economic uncertainty, people are more likely to be interested in any refund or "free money." This makes it easier for them to trick you into revealing your sensitive information.

Here are some signs to look out for:

If you receive a text claiming you're owed a refund, don't click on the link or respond to the message. Instead, contact the company directly to verify the refund and confirm their contact information.

Be cautious of fake charities or page administrators asking for donations on Facebook Messenger. Opportunistic scammers can create fake accounts impersonating public figures or charitable organizations.

Do your own research before donating to any charity. You can check the legitimacy of a charity on CharityNavigator.org, the Better Business Bureau's (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance, CharityWatch.org, and Guidestar.org.

Research the organizers of GoFundMe pages and other fundraising efforts. Always review the account that posted the fundraiser and see if it shows signs of being a scammer.

Look for the blue check icon that marks verified accounts. If someone claims to be a public figure and doesn't have a "verified" badge, it's probably not the person whom the profile claims to be.

Here are some websites to help you verify a charity's legitimacy:

Take the time to search around on Facebook to find the real account that the scammer is imitating. A little extra effort can go a long way in protecting yourself from scams.

Be cautious of messages that promise "free money" through government programs. These scams often claim you've recently received thousands of dollars through a new grant and encourage you to apply.

Fraudsters will ask for sensitive information, such as your Social Security number, bank account information, or credit card number. They'll try to pressure you into enrolling in the program to win the "free money."

The scammer might clone or hack your friend's account to send these messages. If you receive a message like this, contact your friend off the platform to verify if they sent it.

To avoid falling for this scam, research government grants on official websites. Make sure the website ends in ".gov" and uses "HTTPS" (not "HTTP").

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Facebook Messenger scams are a serious concern, and it's essential to know how they work to stay safe online. Scammers use Facebook Messenger because most people have Facebook friends with whom they've lost touch or never knew very well, making it easy to reach out and build trust before targeting victims with advanced social engineering tactics and phishing scams.

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According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans lost over $1.2 billion to scams that originated on social media platforms in 2022 alone. Scammers often impersonate users by setting up look-alike Facebook profiles or taking over legitimate accounts to send phishing scam messages to their victims' Facebook friends.

A typical Facebook Messenger scam plays out in a few steps: scammers impersonate one of your Facebook friends, send a message out of the blue, and then ask for money, personal data, or send a harmful link. Once you respond to a message, scammers push for sensitive information or try to persuade you to send them money or click on links.

Here are some common red flags to watch out for in a Facebook Messenger scam:

If you see any of these red flags, trust your gut and don't click on links, respond to messages, or send money. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to online interactions.

Facebook Messenger scams are increasingly targeting people on social media platforms. Fraudsters are using fake accounts to trick victims into giving up personal information, sending money, or clicking on dangerous links.

Scammers often use convincing stories to lure their victims, like Vera Walters' cousin's fake government grant message. This type of message can be life-changing, but it's a trap.

Be cautious when chatting with people online, especially if they're asking for sensitive information. Remember, scammers can take over someone's account and use it to steal your identity.

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If you receive a Facebook message from someone you haven't spoken to in a while, it's likely a scammer trying to trick you into giving up personal information.

Scammers often impersonate your Facebook friends by hijacking someone's account or creating a dummy account that copies their profile picture and profile information. They might send a message out of the blue, asking a question like "Is this you?" followed by a link, or start with the question, "Guess who died?" to elicit a quick response.

The goal of the scammer is to get you to respond to the message, and then they'll ask for money, personal data, or send a harmful link. Americans lost over $1.2 billion to scams that originated on social media platforms in 2022 alone, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Here's a breakdown of a typical Facebook Messenger scam:

To stay safe, be cautious when receiving messages from unknown senders, and never send money or personal data to someone you don't know.

Facebook Messenger is a popular platform for staying in touch with friends and family, but it's also a breeding ground for scammers. One of the most common scams is the "Is this you?" or "Guess who died" message, which is a classic phishing tactic.

Scammers often use friendly or romantic messages to gain your trust, and then ask for authentication codes or donations. Be cautious of fake charities or page administrators asking for donations, as they may be scams in disguise.

Impostor accounts offering "free money" through government programs are another red flag. These scammers claim you're eligible for a prize or giveaway, but all they want is your personal info.

Here are the 7 latest Facebook Messenger scams you should watch out for:

Malware and Pop-Ups are a major concern for computer users. Cybercriminals use various advertising networks, search engine poisoning techniques, and shady websites to generate traffic to their pop-ups. Users land on their online lures after clicking on fake download buttons, using a torrent website, or simply clicking on an Internet search engine result.

Pop-up scams can range from get-rich-quick schemes to fake virus scans. To prevent seeing pop-up scams, you should visit only reputable websites, such as official websites and via direct links. Avoid using torrent clients, third-party downloaders, and unofficial websites.

Potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) are often downloaded/installed together with other products through bundling. This can happen when you rush through the download/installation of software, ignoring terms, skipping steps, and sections, or using "Quick/Express" settings.

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To avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications, download software and files from official websites and via direct links. Do not click ads that are displayed on dubious websites, as they can open other untrusted websites or cause unwanted downloads and installations.

Some common signs of a tech support scam include:

If you fell for a pop-up scam, contact your financial institution if you sent money to scammers. Change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication if you gave away your personal information. Scan your computer with reputable anti-malware if you let scammers connect to your device.

To protect against tech support scams, be aware that Microsoft does not send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information. If a pop-up or error message appears with a phone number, don't call the number. Error and warning messages from Microsoft never include a phone number.

Here is a list of tips to help you avoid tech support scams: