Scammers: Precautions You Can Take Along with Cyber Insurance
Our previous article talked about cyber security and how hackers and scammers have become more prevalent and malicious. We recommend coverage through Cyber Insurance as one of the best ways to protect yourself and your assets. This coverage will help you recover your losses if the worst case happens and you fall victim to these schemes when scammers impersonate government officials or other legitimate entities. Our independent insurance agency works with you to provide the best plan for your needs as not all insurance companies offer the same coverage or policies.
You can also take steps to minimize your risks. We mentioned in the previous article about using antiviral software which is so important if you access the internet or use email. Make sure you are protected from malware as well. Phones are as vulnerable as computers so protect yourself in multiple ways: https://www.zdnet.com/article/9-top-mobile-security-threats-and-how-you-can-avoid-them/
Here are some additional recommendations:
Never provide your social security number on the phone, by text, or on the internet. The Social Security Administration, Medicare, and law enforcement and other government agencies do not contact people by phone, for example, to ask for this information or to pay fines over the phone. (Some official sites may ask for this information for identification purposes if you have confirmed that the site is legitimate.)
Do not disclose your bank account information–scammers can find ways to access your money with it.
Do not provide or confirm your home address or your birth date. Identity theft is made easier if they have your name, address, and birth date.
Do not click on links on emails or open attachments from someone you don’t know. Move email from unknown contacts into your spam folder to protect you if you need to open it. If the message suggests that you need to take action, go directly to the business’ or organization’s website rather than trusting the link. Also beware of spoof emails asking you to provide gift cards for a friend. Those appeals often occur after someone’s email or social media accounts have been hacked.
Check the email address of the sender. (You can often hover your cursor over it to see the full address.) Spoof emails pretend to be from a bank or credit card company, but often the email address doesn’t match up to the official organization.
Don’t use callback numbers left on voicemail or wghat someone may offer on the phone for verification. The callback number they provide often leads back to the scammer or an accomplice. Call the company or financial institution directly and ask to speak to customer service. That way, you can also report the scam if it turns out to have been fraudulent.
Even with the best precautions you may still be victimized unwittingly. Make sure you are covered when that happens, whether for your business or for you personally. Reach out to us and we can walk you through your options and explain the complexities of limits and liabilities. Cyber Insurance offers real protection for your assets! Contact us to discuss practical and very affordable options.