What To Look For When On The Web
“Fraud in the Wake of COVID-19,” a recent survey published by The Association of Fraud Examiners reports an increase in the number of fraudulent cases during the pandemic. No surprise here, but this trend is expected to continue indefinitely with the uncertainty surrounding the current healthcare crisis and the increase in people working remote.
The survey reports that over 77% of respondents noticed a significant increase in fraud, not to mention the people that fell victim to it! But, not only have the incidents of fraudulent emails and other malicious cyber tactics increased, detecting, preventing and investigating fraud has become even more challenging in light of the pandemic.
Why you ask? Well, with so much paperwork, interviews and meetings being handled on-line, and overworked or understaffed agencies processing paperwork and trying to run business as usual, during unusual times, the systems of checks and balances, is a bit off.
With no end in sight, the best thing that you can do is to be vigilant about your cybersecurity and how you engage with people and organizations on-line.
Here Are A Few Tips You Can Use When On-Line.
1. Slow down…
Cyber criminals always leverage times of crisis. Don’t be too quick to click on a link or open an attachment. Question everything that comes into your inbox (or on your phone). If you are not expecting something, call to make sure the document is meant for you.
2. Keep it on a need-to-know basis
Hackers can be very convincing…just know that no government agency is going to call you looking for your information. Never give out your personal or financial information over the phone unless you are absolutely certain who you are speaking to and that it is legit.
3. Check your URL’s and Links
Often cyber criminals will make an email look like it is coming from a legitimate person or agency, but then if you scroll over the senders name or the link, you can see the address is not right. Take the time to double check that who people say they are, they are.
4. Change those passwords and get training on cybersecurity.
Knowing how to create a strong password and how to spot a phishing (fraudulent) email can reduce your risk significantly. If you need help with this, we’ve got some recommendations for you. Just ask!
At Metro Eldercare we are always concerned about your safety and protecting your security and assets.
Let us know how we can help you now or in the future.