Cyber Security Awareness Month: Top 5 social media scams
More and more Canadians are buying "Smart Devices". These items make up what has been termed the Internet of Things. From cell phones, watches and televisions to thermostats and motor vehicles, the Internet of Things provides us with instantaneous access to perform everyday functions and, most importantly, gather and share data.
Week 5 of Cyber Security Awareness Month is Smart Device Week. One of the more common uses of smart devices is connecting to social media. As a result, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) would like to remind you to be vigilant when using your smart devices for social media.
Fraud type | Reports | Victims | Losses (CAD) |
---|---|---|---|
Romance | 665 | 470 | $13,383,500 |
Grant | 412 | 139 | $387,000 |
Merchandise | 363 | 295 | $292,300 |
Prize | 179 | 66 | $180,200 |
Job | 132 | 68 | $265,400 |
Note: It is estimated that less than 5% of fraud victims report their occurrences to the CAFC.
Top tips to protect yourself
- Protect your account and your device by updating your software and applications regularly
- Avoid using simple passwords such as the word "password" or "12345678"
- Avoid using the same password for more than one account
- Never use your name, date of birth or other personal information as part of your password
- Set up email alerts that notify you if your accounts have been accessed, used or changed
- Do not accept request from people you do not know
- Complete a reverse image search to see where the same photo is being used online
- Google Images and Tinyeye are great options
- Ask specific questions and look for inconsistencies in the responses
- Be wary of people who always have an excuse about why you cannot meet in person
- Never send money to someone you have never met
- All grants require an application
- Government grant applications are readily available and free
- Do not trust offers of guaranteed free money
- If you have to pay for a grant, it really isn't free
- If you receive a suspicious message from a trusted friend, reach out to them through a different means of communication to confirm that it is them
- Visit Get Cyber Safe for more information about staying safe online
- Learn more tips and tricks for protecting yourself
- Remain current on frauds and protect others by sharing what you know
- Tell two others and ask them to do the same
- An unbroken chain of 25 people telling two would cover the entire population of Canada
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