Halloween is a time for fun and scares. Still, it's also important to be aware of the cyber security threats lurking online. Cybercriminals know that people are more likely to be distracted and let their guard down during the holidays, so they start haunting and taunting them.
The Dixon Financial Group team wants you to be aware of the most common cyber security threats on Halloween and beyond and learn the tricks on how to avoid them:
- Beware of the scary creatures lurking in a phishing email: Phishing emails trick you into clicking on a malicious link or opening an attachment that contains malware. These emails can often look very convincing, so it's essential to be careful. Be wary of emails asking for personal information, such as your passwords or credit card numbers. And never click on links or open attachments from unknown senders.
- Don't get tricked by spooky spoofed websites: Spoofed websites are fake ones designed to look like real ones. Cybercriminals use these websites to steal personal information or infect your computer with malware. Be careful when entering personal information on any website, and make sure the website's URL is correct before entering any information.
- Avoid eery social engineering attack monsters: Social engineering attacks trick you into giving up personal information or performing an action that could compromise your security. Cybercriminals may use social engineering attacks to pose as customer support representatives, law enforcement officers, or other trusted individuals. Be careful about who you give personal information to, and never perform any actions that could compromise your security, such as transferring money or changing your passwords, at the request of someone you don't know and trust.
- Don't download suspicious apps or games; it could come back to haunt you.Halloween is a popular time for new apps and games to be released, but be careful about which ones you download—only download apps and games from trusted sources, such as the official app stores for your device.
When your kids are out trick-or-treating, you take steps to keep them safe, like using a flashlight, wearing reflective clothing and going in groups. We want you safe on Halloween and beyond, so please follow the suggestions below:
- Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication: One of the best ways to protect yourself from cyber attacks is to use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all your online accounts. Strong passwords are at least 12 characters long and include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password when logging in to your accounts.
- Keep your software updated: Software developers regularly release updates that patch security vulnerabilities. By keeping your software up to date, you can help to protect yourself from known cyber threats.
- Be careful about what you share online: Be cautious about what personal information you share online, especially on social media. Cybercriminals can use the information you communicate to target you with phishing attacks or other scams.
- Use a reputable antivirus program: A reputable antivirus program can help protect your computer from malware. Be sure to keep your antivirus program current and run regular scans.
These are just a few of the steps you can take to keep yourself safe. Here is our advice: Suppose you get a creepy feeling about something or question if it is real or something that is stalking you; talk to someone you trust before giving any information away. It is always better to be safe to help avoid being sorry later on. Follow these suggestions to help protect yourself from cyber security threats on Halloween and all year round.
Bonus tip: Remember, as a kid, when you got home from trick or treating, an adult looked over your candy to ensure nothing looked unedible or suspicious. You must use the same caution regarding emails, messaging, websites, phone calls, texts, and social media. Take the time to read, listen and observe before you click that link or answer that question. If you are still concerned, you can always call our team at Dixon Financial Group, LLC; we would be happy to help you determine whether you are being tricked or may have a treat coming.
BEWARE: A few clients experienced fraud or were scammed this year. Below are examples you should be on the lookout for:
1. Shh, Don't Tell Anyone: Being offered an investment opportunity BUT being told NOT to discuss it with family or your financial advisor. If you are asked to 'KEEP A SECRET,' hang up the phone, walk away, or delete the email. NO MATTER WHAT THEY ARE OFFERING, if asked to lie or keep a secret, say NO and report the incident to ReportFraud.ftc.gov. When something sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. ALWAYS consult your family, lawyer, and financial advisor before giving anyone your money.
2. A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing: A person unknown or known to you is trying to help you or an elderly family member with their finances. Unsolicited help is happening to elderly clients with dementia/memory issues. Family members of an older adult with memory problems should be vigilant about who befriends their loved ones. These scammers seem to have our clients' best interests at heart, like helping them collect funds they feel are due to them. The scammer can be polite at first, but if they do not get the results they want (account and banking information, money, etc.), they can become aggressive and possibly dangerous. It's crucial to be vigilant and question the intentions of unknown individuals offering help. If you have a family member you think is or has been a victim of this type of fraud, contact local law enforcement and Adult Protective Services (APS). Rest assured, our advisors and staff here at Dixon Financial Group are trained to detect and report any suspicion of fraud, so please know we will always have your back.
3. A Care-Giver May Be a Money-Taker: This next one is the most recent. A client was medically incapacitated at the beginning of the year and is unable to talk or write. This client has checks linked to an IRA account, so they can write a check when funds are needed. A few months after the medical incident, someone wrote checks against the IRA account. Our firm was notified by our Broker/Dealer when the last check was flagged due to insufficient funds, prompting an internal investigation. We then notified the family, who, in turn, let us know that they were unaware someone had written the checks. Not knowing who perpetrated this crime was frustrating for the client's family and us. Before they had the chance to go to the police, the family found out that another family member who was helping with paying the bills had written checks from this IRA account. Having this knowledge now has easied their minds, BUT with this said, it is crucial to take precautions and do background checks for anyone outside of the family taking care for your loved one. Make sure to remove ALL personal, banking and investment documents from the home or room your loved one is in and put them in a safe place, allowing you to focus on their recovery without the fear of them becoming a victim of fraud. *This one had a happy ending, but most stories like these don't.
Please know that anyone can fall victim to a scam or fraud. Once you find out you are a victim, the most essential thing to do is to tell someone. Hiding it will only hurt you more. You need to be open and honest so actions can be taken as quickly as possible. You can always start by calling DFG, and we will do our best to direct you in the right direction.
Happy Halloween, stay safe and be aware!
The DFG Team
#DixonFinancialGroupLV #CyberSecurity #HappyHalloween #TrickorTreat
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