Recently, P.C. David Jung, Durham Regional Police, gave a presentation about SCAMS and FRAUD. Here is a report of his presentation.
Online scams and phone fraud
Presented by Durham Regional Police Constable David Jung
Online scams and phone fraud have become increasingly sophisticated in recent years, posing significant risks to individuals and businesses alike. As technology advances, so do the methods employed by scammers to deceive and exploit unsuspecting victims.
Common Types of Online Scams and Phone Fraud
Phishing Scams
Phishing scammers impersonate legitimate organizations through emails, text messages, or fake websites to trick victims into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, or Social Insurance numbers. These messages often create a sense of urgency, claiming that immediate action is required to avoid account suspension or other consequences.
Impersonator Scams
Fraudsters may pose as government agencies, Canada Revenue agents, law enforcement, family members, or trusted businesses to manipulate victims into providing personal information or money. These scams can be particularly convincing when scammers use spoofing techniques to make their calls appear to come from legitimate sources.
AI Voice and Video Cloning Scams
Advancements in artificial intelligence have given rise to a new breed of scams involving voice and video cloning. Scammers can now create highly realistic audio and video content that mimics the voices and appearances of loved ones, often depicting them in distress and requesting financial assistance.
Telemarketing and Retail Scams
Unsolicited calls offering products, services, or investment opportunities are common avenues for fraud. Scammers may use high-pressure tactics to convince victims to make immediate purchases or investments, often with false promises of significant returns or exclusive deals.
Grandparent Scams
This type of fraud targets older adults by exploiting their concern for family members. Scammers pretend to be grandchildren in urgent need of money, often claiming to be in legal trouble or involved in accidents.
Defending Against Online Scams and Phone Fraud
Strengthen Your Digital Security
- Use robust, unique passwords for each online account and consider employing a password manager like LASTPASS, 1PASSWORD or BITWARDEN to keep track of them securely.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts that offer this feature to add an extra layer of security. This is a 2 step verification that confirms it is you using the account.
- Keep your devices and software up-to-date with the latest security patches and use reputable antivirus software.
- Be cautious when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. Best to connect at home mainly.
Verify and Validate
- Always verify the identity of individuals or organizations requesting personal information or financial transactions. If you receive an unexpected call or email, hang up or delete it and contact the purported organization directly using official contact information. Do not use the phone number listed in the received email but go to the official site independently of that email.
- Be wary of unsolicited communications, especially those creating a sense of urgency or requesting immediate action.
- When making online purchases, ensure that the website is secure (look for “https” in the URL).
- Create a family code word to verify the identity of family members in case of emergency situations.
Protect Your Personal Information
- Be cautious about sharing personal information online, especially on social media platforms.
- Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources, as these may contain malware designed to steal your information.
- Regularly monitor your financial statements and credit reports for any suspicious activity.
- Consider freezing your credit with major credit bureaus to prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name.
- Consider getting a credit card strictly for online use. Arrange for a financial limit on that card.
Educate Yourself and Stay Informed
- Keep up-to-date with the latest scam techniques and fraud trends by following reputable sources such as government consumer protection websites and cybersecurity blogs. Also talk to family and friends about these matters so all of you become more educated about them
- Participate in cybersecurity awareness training if offered by your employer or local community organizations.
- Discuss potential scams with family members, especially older adults who may be more vulnerable to certain types of fraud.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
- Consider using call-blocking or call-labeling technologies to reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive.
- Register your phone number on the National Do Not Call list to minimize telemarketing calls. In Canada, phone 1-866-580-3625
- Explore spam filtering options for your email accounts to reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing attempts.
Trust Your Instincts
If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your gut feeling when something doesn’t feel right, and don’t be afraid to end communications or transactions that make you uncomfortable.
Report Suspicious Activity
If you encounter a potential scam or become a victim of fraud, report it to the appropriate authorities. In Durham and Pickering Police, phone 905 579 1520:
- Contact your local law enforcement agency Phone 905 579 1520.
- Report the incident to national fraud centers, such as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre Phone 1 888 495 8501
- Notify your financial institutions, bank, credit union.
- Contact your credit card company if you suspect your card has been compromised.
Conclusion
As online scams and phone fraud continue to evolve, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting yourself and your loved ones. By implementing strong security measures, staying informed about the latest fraud techniques, and adopting a cautious approach to unsolicited communications, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these malicious activities. Remember that prevention is key, and when in doubt, always verify before taking action or sharing sensitive information.
Richard Szpin BOTTOM LINE
- If you didn’t initiate it, terminate it
- Talk with family and friends to help educate one another other.
Source:
Richard Szpin, www.szpin.ca
