During these strange times of increased isolation and use of digital communication technologies, there’s increased activity of cyber threats to watch out for. We’ve put together some of the top phishing schemes and personal security concerns throughout Waterloo Region:
Fraudulent Shipping
Notifications
The convenience of shopping online is undeniable. It’s been
especially true during the pandemic when online shopping is seen as a safer
alternative than going to the store. A click here and click there, it can often
be tough to keep track of all the things that are on the way. Thieves prey on
this vulnerability and use phishing emails to say things like your package is
"delayed” or "undeliverable” or "customs
charges required”. These alerts can grab your attention and in a split second
you may click on a link and enter sensitive info that will lock your shopping
accounts or steal your credit card information.
Online Classified
Thefts
People are always on the hunt for a good deal so many turn
to online classifieds like Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace. Things like the
latest smartphones and gaming devices are especially popular to buy and sell
online. Unfortunately, this demand brings some characters out to make a quick
buck or rob you of your merchandise. These are becoming more and more frequent
throughout Waterloo Region and Southern Ontario. Police advise the public to
use Safe Exchange Zones located in police station parking lots or meet in a
well-lit and busy place like a grocery store.
Subscription
Notification Scams
With many of our online lives going to subscription services
it’s sometimes difficult to keep track of what is an active or inactive
account. Fraudsters know this and will send large email blasts trying to get
people to act quickly to save their account or keep it active. They often ask
the customer to confirm their credit card info or update other personal
information that can be used against them later.
Travel Phishing Scams
Since the beginning of the pandemic this one has been a lot
less effective but is still out there. Travel restrictions and stay at home
orders mean that people have not had or made travel plans. Emails that appear
to be from an airline threaten to cancel flight or hotel books unless they get
updated credit card info from you. Another angle to the travel phishing is to
offer a great travel reward or an apparent prize from a random draw that you
"entered”. Also, most recently, travel
plans scams have altered the email messaging to say things like "Your Refund is
Here” and ask you to enter your banking information in order to claim it.
Trust Your Gut
If something doesn’t feel right or you have a hesitation
about an email or online notification you receive, it is advised to take a step
back and evaluate what the sender is asking you to do. Have you recently
ordered something from Amazon? Does it makes sense that Netflix or another
subscription service is contacting your for your personal info? In most cases they will
instruct you to sign in to their official website to reset or verify your
information. No reputable business is going to ask for your credit card or
banking info through email. Keep alert and keep your personal info safe through
the pandemic.
Visit Ontario.ca to Report a Scam or Fraud
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Staebler Insurance is a general insurance broker specializing in auto insurance, home insurance, small business and commercial insurance. Staebler brokers proudly serve Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, Wellington County, Listowel, Fergus, Elora, and southern Ontario.
