It seems like every day a new scam pops up on the internet, email or social media. So just because we can enjoy lazy summer days it doesn’t mean we should slack on password protection and digital safety. Learn how to protect your money from cybercrime, fraud, and online scams with these three tips.
1. Don’t get attached. You receive a slew of emails every day, ranging from personal to professional to outright junk. Distinguishing the difference isn’t always easy, so you’re right to be wary when it comes to links or attachments. “Phishing email scams remain a constant threat and cybercriminals continue to evolve their approach,” explains Shelly Smith of Telus Wise (Wise Internet and Smartphone Education). “For many, the doorway in is as simple as an attachment or link which could even be from someone you know.”
2. Strengthen your password. You have dozens of passwords, if not more. Using a standard, easily memorable one for all your accounts is tempting, but could lead to fraud. To prevent hacking, create different passwords. Make them stronger by including numbers and other special characters, mix uppercase and lowercase letters, and refrain from obvious words or phrases. Keep them all straight with a password manager app.
3. Shop smart. Always purchase goods and services from trusted retailers. If you’ve never heard of them or can’t find information about them on third party review sites, take your business elsewhere. Also try to use services that verify the validity of vendors and have built-in protection.
Learn more about smartphone safety online at telus.com/wise.