In this session, our Cyber-Seniors mentors will discuss how to identify scam calls, use call screening features, block spam numbers, and stay safer on your phone.
Your participation helps us continue connecting generations through technology. If you’ve benefited from our programs, please consider making a donation at www.cyberseniors.org/donate. Every contribution—big or small—helps older adults gain confidence with digital skills and stay connected with loved ones.
In this session, our Cyber-Seniors mentors will show you how to tell if a website is trustworthy before entering any personal information, including how to read web addresses, spot warning signs, and use free tools to verify a site’s safety.
Your participation helps us continue connecting generations through technology. If you’ve benefited from our programs, please consider making a donation at www.cyberseniors.org/donate. Every contribution—big or small—helps older adults gain confidence with digital skills and stay connected with loved ones.
Presented by the NextGen Story team, this session explores why recording life stories is so meaningful and demonstrates how tools like Microsoft Word and Google Docs (including microphone/voice typing features) can support those who find typing challenging.
Your participation helps us continue connecting generations through technology. If you’ve benefited from our programs, please consider making a donation at www.cyberseniors.org/donate. Every contribution—big or small—helps older adults gain confidence with digital skills and stay connected with loved ones.
In a recent survey conducted by Interac a staggering 42% of respondents said they had been targeted by a Government Impersonation Scam, making them one of the most common types of scams. Government Imposter Scams are nothing new but as technology and the internet continue to evolve so do the means by which scammers commit these frauds. Which is why it’s important to stay informed about the latest types of government imposter scams and how they are being perpetrated.
Government Imposter or Government Impersonation scams are a type of scam that involve individuals or groups posing as representatives of government agencies to deceive victims into giving over personal information or money. There are many ways these scams play out but there are few more common scenarios that scammers tend towards.
A scammer contacts a target claiming to be an employee of either the CRA/IRS. They may state that you have an outstanding case against you, owe back taxes, have unpaid balances or committed a financial crime. They then will threaten arrest, fines or even deportation if the money is not paid. They generally will request payment via transfer, pre‐paid cards, gift cards or crypto.
Social Security scams aim to deceive people into providing sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers They may claim that there has been illegal activity under your SSN/SIN, or that there is some sort of bogus benefit or a cost of living adjustment you are eligible for but you need to provide for SSN to claim it
There are several common types of scams Medicare/healthcare related scams. They include:
Law enforcement scams involve fraudulent attempts by individuals or groups to impersonate law enforcement officers or agencies. These scams often play on people’s trust in authority figures and use fear tactics to manipulate victims into providing money, personal information, or both. Two common types of law enforcement scams include the package scam, in which victims are told a package addressed to them, containing illegal goods, has been intercepted. As well as the Laundry card scam where the Victim is told that their bank card has been used in a money laundering scheme and their accounts are going to be locked.
Understanding how scammers reach out is crucial to recognizing potential threats. Whether it’s through phone calls, emails, or text messages, staying vigilant is key.
Most communications from scammers show some common red flags.
Knowing how to respond when faced with a potential scam is vital. Here are some general guidelines:
| Texts | Delete or mark as spam, then block the number. |
| Calls | Don’t engage; hang up and block the number. |
| Emails | Mark as spam and block the sender. |
Always verify the legitimacy of communications from government departments. Contact the official communication channel or log into secure online accounts to confirm the authenticity of messages.
The best way to protect yourself against government imposter scams it is important to take proactive steps.
If you have been the victim of a government impersonation scam (or any type of scam) it is important to take several steps to prevent further damage or loss. You can follow Aura’s comprehensive Victim Checklist (full details here).
FTC (Federal Trade Commission)
Online: reportfraud.ftc.gov
Call: 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357)
Anti Fraud Centre
Online: antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
Call: 1-888-495-8501
Tech support scams are a type of online scam in which cybercriminals pose as legitimate technical support representatives from well-known technology companies, such as Geek Squad, Microsoft, Apple, or major antivirus software providers. The scammers typically use various tactics to trick individuals into believing that their computers or devices are infected with viruses, malware, or other issues, and that they need immediate assistance to resolve these non-existent problems.
It is important to know what signs to look out for when it comes to tech support scams. So let’s look at how a typical tech support scam unfolds.
Scammers initiate contact through email, text messages, phone calls, or fake websites, often masquerading as reputable companies like BestBuy’s Geek Squad.
They assert that your device is compromised, claim you owe fees for services, or request you to “verify” your identity by providing personal information such as credit card details, Social Security Numbers (SSN), or Social Insurance Numbers (SIN).
Depending on the specific scam, scammers may coerce you into downloading malware or applications, granting them remote access to your device.
Once they’ve gained access, scammers will persist in their fraudulent activities. This could involve emptying your accounts, extracting sensitive data from your device, or demanding additional payments for their supposed services.
Now that we understand how a typical tech support scam plays out, let’s look a deeper look at the common tactics tech support scams employ:
1. Cold Calls: Scammers may call you, claiming to be from a reputable tech support company. They often use high-pressure tactics, such as stating your computer is infected or compromised.
2. Pop-Up Messages: While browsing the internet, you might encounter alarming pop-up messages claiming that your computer is infected and urging you to call a specific number for assistance. These pop-ups can be convincing and intimidating.
3. Fake Websites: Scammers create fake websites that resemble legitimate tech support sites, complete with logos and contact information. These sites may prompt you to call or provide personal information.
4. Emails and Messages: You might receive unsolicited emails, text messages, or social media messages, with scammers impersonating tech support representatives from well-known companies. These messages often contain links to malicious websites or files.
5. Malware Downloads: In some cases, scammers persuade victims to download malicious software or applications under the guise of necessary security updates or diagnostic tools.
6. Remote Access Requests: Scammers may request remote access to your computer, claiming they need to fix an issue. Once granted access, they can manipulate your system or steal sensitive information.
7. False Error Reports: Scammers might display fabricated error reports on your computer, convincing you to call a provided number for assistance.
8. Fake Refund Scams: Some scammers claim that you are due a refund for services you never received, and they request your banking information to process the refund, but instead, they steal your financial data.
9. Impersonating Known Brands: Scammers often impersonate well-known tech companies like Microsoft, Apple, or antivirus providers to gain victims’ trust.
10. Social Engineering: Scammers use psychological manipulation to gain your trust, make you panic, or create a sense of urgency to encourage you to take action or provide personal information.
To protect yourself from these common tech support scams, it’s crucial to stay cautious. Legitimate tech support companies will not contact you unsolicited and pressure you into taking immediate action. Always verify the identity of the caller or the authenticity of any message or website. If you have any doubts, contact the tech support company directly through their official channels to confirm the situation.
Additional Articles on this Topic:
Over 62% of Facebook users report encountering scams on a weekly basis — the highest out of any social media platform.
Whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or X (formerly Twitter), social media has become an integral part of many of our daily lives. It’s where we connect with friends, family, and even access news and entertainment. Unfortunately, it’s also where scammers thrive, taking advantage of our desire for connection.
There are several ways we can protect ourselves from social media scams. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to stay up to date on the latest social media threats. So, let’s start by delving into some of the most common social media scams and how you can yourself against them.
Investment and crypto scams have become increasingly prevalent on social media. Scammers often start by building a casual relationship with their victims. Eventually, they introduce them to a “great investment opportunity.” These scams accounted for approximately 37% of social media scams last year, with the majority being crypto scams. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment offers and do thorough research before parting with your money.
Romance scams are heart-wrenching. Scammers create fake profiles using stolen photos and initiate romantic relationships with their victims. They often use “love bombing” tactics but never intend to meet in person. While these scams are common on dating sites, they’ve proliferated on social media, becoming one of the most common scams. Always verify the authenticity of online relationships and never send money to someone you’ve never met in person.
Account takeover fraud involves hackers gaining access to your social media accounts. They may use phishing techniques to steal your login information and then use your account to perpetrate more scams, such as posting fake investment opportunities, sharing phishing links, and gathering personal details about you and your friends and family. Enable two-factor authentication and regularly change your passwords to prevent account takeover.
Scammers use phishing to send fake authentication codes or warn of suspicious login attempts, aiming to trick you into revealing your login information. Be cautious when receiving such messages, and always verify the sender’s identity and the legitimacy of the request before providing any information.
Not all social media ads are safe. Scammers may use them to direct users to fake stores or misleading ads. The Better Business Bureau receives thousands of complaints about these ads. Be cautious when clicking on ads and do your research before making a purchase.
Scammers frequently create impersonator accounts using someone else’s name, including celebrities. They may request money, send phishing links, or post about fake giveaways. Verify the legitimacy of accounts that interact with you and double-check requests for financial assistance or personal information.
Receiving a link with a message like “is this a photo of you?” can be a red flag. Often, these links lead to a fake social media login page designed to steal your password. Be cautious and verify the source of such messages.
Scammers use fake online quizzes to gather personal information on users and then use that information to break into your online accounts. Think twice before taking online quizzes and avoid sharing personal information.
In these scams, scammers direct message you to claim you’ve won a prize but require payment upfront. Be extremely skeptical of unsolicited prize notifications, and remember that legitimate sweepstakes don’t ask for payment to receive your prize.
Job scams have been on the rise in recent years. Scammers use fake accounts to post job opportunities, aiming to extract money and personal information from you. Always research potential employers and job opportunities thoroughly, and be cautious when sharing sensitive information.
Identifying social media scams is crucial for protecting yourself online. While scammers can be crafty, there are common signs that can help you recognize potential threats.
If you have been scammed on social media, taking immediate action can help mitigate the damage and improve your chances of recovering any lost money or preventing further damage. Here’s what to do if you’ve fallen victim to a social media scam:
Online shopping is a convenient way to purchase everything from clothing to electronics, groceries to gifts. The ease and accessibility of shopping online offers many benefits, but it also comes with its share of risks and challenges. That is why it is important to understand all the risks, common scams, and red flags to watch out for when shopping online.
There are a number of common types of scams and tactics used by malicious players online to try to con unsuspecting shoppers. Here are some of the most common scams associated with online shopping:
Phishing: Scammers may send deceptive emails or messages pretending to be from legitimate retailers to steal your personal and financial information.
Fake Websites: Fraudsters will create fake websites that look like reputable stores to trick you into making payments or sharing your details.
Overpayment Scams: You may receive counterfeit checks or money orders when selling items online, leading to financial loss.
Bait and Switch: Sellers advertise one product but deliver something completely different or lower in quality.
Non-Delivery Scams: You pay for products that are never delivered, leaving you empty-handed and out of money.
Regardless of the type of scam being waged, there are some red flags we can look out for across the board in order to protect ourselves from online shopping scams.
At this point you might feel a bit scared to shop online, but do not worry there are habits you can practice in order to keep yourself safe when shopping online. Here are some of the best ways to keep your financial information safe.
1. Shop from Trusted Websites
The first step in ensuring online shopping safety is to stick to reputable and well-known websites. Recognizable e-commerce giants like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart have established security measures to protect your data. When shopping on less-known websites, research them beforehand. Look for reviews, customer feedback, and whether they have secure payment options.
2. Secure Your Connection
Before entering sensitive information, ensure your internet connection is secure. Always shop from a trusted and private Wi-Fi network. Avoid making online purchases over public Wi-Fi, which may lack adequate security measures. Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data, adding an extra layer of protection.
3. Look for HTTPS
Check the website’s URL for “HTTPS” and a padlock symbol in the address bar. This indicates that the website encrypts your data, making it difficult for hackers to intercept and steal your information. Avoid websites with only “HTTP,” as they lack the essential security protocols.
4. Strong Passwords
Use strong, unique passwords for your online shopping accounts. These passwords should include a mix of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable passwords, such as “123456” or “password.” Consider using a reliable password manager to keep track of your login credentials securely.
5. Beware of Phishing
Phishing emails and websites are designed to trick you into providing personal information. Be cautious of unsolicited emails claiming to be from online retailers, especially if they ask for sensitive data. Always verify the sender’s legitimacy, and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
6. Use Secure Payment Methods
Opt for secure payment methods like credit cards or PayPal when making online purchases. These methods often offer buyer protection and allow you to dispute unauthorized charges. Avoid sharing your debit card or bank account information unless you are confident in the website’s credibility.
7. Regularly Check Your Statements
Frequently review your bank and credit card statements to identify any unauthorized or suspicious charges. The sooner you catch and report such issues, the better your chances of resolving them.
8. Keep Software Updated
Ensure that your device’s operating system, web browser, and antivirus software are up to date. Updates often include security patches to protect against the latest threats.
9. Read Privacy and Return Policies
Before making a purchase, take a moment to read the website’s privacy policy. This will inform you of how your data is collected, used, and protected. Avoid websites with vague or non-existent privacy policies.
10. Equip yourself with Identity Theft Protection from trusted providers like Aura
Regardless of how safe you are, the risk of falling victim to online shopping scams still remains. To safeguard your online accounts and financial information from potential threats, explore the benefits of subscribing to an all-inclusive digital security service like Aura.
If you suspect or realize you’ve been scammed while shopping online:
Step One: Report the scam as soon as possible. In Canada, report online scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and in the USA, report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Step Two: Next, contact your bank or credit card issuer to dispute charges.
Step Three: Change your passwords for all your online accounts to prevent further unauthorized access.
14 Essential Tips for Shopping Online Safely in 2023 (aura.com)
Online banking has witnessed a surge in popularity over the past few decades due to its convenience and user-friendly interfaces. Banks have invested heavily in enhancing the security of online banking platforms. Nevertheless, the allure of easy access to money has made online banking a prime target for scammers and hackers. Shockingly, the Federal Trade Commission reported over 33,000 cases of bank fraud in just the first quarter of 2023.
Online banking scams take various forms, including:
1. Phishing Attacks: Scammers send fake bank emails, texts, or phone calls, often with links to fraudulent websites to steal login information.
2. Cyberattacks: Hackers gain unauthorized access to your devices to steal personal and financial information.
3. Data Breaches: Cybercriminals target financial institutions, leaking sensitive data to the Dark Web.
4. Social Engineering: Scammers create fake bank accounts using stolen information.
5. Hacking Payment Processors: Criminals target companies storing bank account information.
6. Skimming and Shimming Devices: Fraudsters attach devices to ATMs to steal card details.
Once scammers obtain your bank account number, they can:
While no one is immune to bank scams, they often target less tech-savvy individuals, including young people with newly opened bank accounts and the elderly. For instance, individuals in their 20s are more than twice as likely to fall for fake check scams.
Yes, scammers can use your identity to commit various forms of bank fraud, accessing your bank accounts, government benefits, and even contacting your friends and loved ones to perpetrate further scams.
1. Overpayment Scams.
2. Automatic Debit Scams.
3. Fake Check Cashing Scams.
4. Unsolicited Check Fraud.
5. Government Impostor Scams.
6. Phishing Scams.
7. Charity Scams.
8. Online Lending Scams.
9. Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams.
10. Fake Bank Text Messages.
Generally, you are not liable for charges made by scammers using your bank account details. However, it’s essential to follow specific guidelines and report unauthorized transactions promptly to your bank.
To safeguard your finances, take these precautions:
In the digital age, protecting your finances is paramount. By staying informed and adopting best practices, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to online banking scams and enjoy the convenience of online banking with peace of mind.
Charity scams are a heartless deception that prey on people’s kindness and desire to help others. These schemes come in many forms, so it’s important to know what tell tale signs to watch out for if you are planning to give.
Understanding Charity Scams: A Closer Look
Cybercriminals manipulate emotions, using sympathy and urgency to trick victims into giving away their hard-earned money or sensitive personal information. From impersonating well-known charities to setting up fake disaster relief funds, scammers leave no stone unturned to exploit the goodness of people’s hearts.
The Alarming Rise in Losses
According to the FBI’s 2020 report on internet crime, losses due to charity fraud and scams have been steadily increasing over the years. In 2020 alone, victims of online charity scams lost a staggering $4.4 million. Shockingly, this figure doesn’t even account for offline charity fraud or unreported incidents, underlining the magnitude of the problem.
Why Charity Scams Target Compassion
The human tendency to lend a helping hand is both heartwarming and exploitable. Scammers capitalize on this generosity by creating elaborate narratives that tug at heartstrings. When a desperate need arises, compassionate individuals feel compelled to contribute, unknowingly falling into the trap set by these fraudsters.
Common Types of Charity Scams
Warning Signs of a Fake Charity
Steps to Protect Yourself
Safeguarding Your Philanthropic Spirit
In a world filled with digital threats, protecting your generosity is of paramount importance. By staying vigilant, educating yourself about common charity scams, and leveraging tools like Aura, you can ensure that your contributions reach those truly in need. Together, let’s empower ourselves and our loved ones to make a positive impact while safeguarding against the darkness of online deception.
Additional Resources:
Remember, your generosity has the power to change lives, but safeguarding it from the clutches of scammers ensures that your impact remains genuine and meaningful.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is an increasingly popular topic of conversation when it comes to tech these days, especially with the public release of tools like ChatGPT. And while AI has legitimate and beneficial applications, some of its negative aspects are overshadowing its positive potential. One of the big concerns when it comes to AI use is how it is being exploited by hackers and scammers for malicious purposes. In this blog, we’re going to explore how hackers leverage AI in cyber attacks and the potential threats it poses to cybersecurity.
Modern AI systems utilize a technique called machine learning. This technique enables systems to learn from data and improve their performance without being explicitly programmed. It involves training a model using a large amount of data, allowing it to begin to recognize patterns in that data and then asking it to make predictions or classifications. The model then “learns” by adjusting its parameters based on feedback and comparing its predictions to the actual outcomes. Through this repeated process, machine learning systems become more accurate and effective at solving specific tasks, such as image recognition, speech recognition, and data analysis.
Here are a handful of ways hacker are leveraging AI to make their hacks and scams more effective…
While there are aspects of AI hacking that are beyond our control, such as malware detection evasion and data breaches, and for which we must rely on our cybersecurity softwares and systems, there are some that we can actively take measures to prevent. Two such hacks are Voice Duplication/Deepfakes, and Text Tone Impersonation – more commonly known as phishing.
One alarming way scammers are using AI is through voice duplication, known as vishing. By utilizing short audio clips of people posted online, scammers can clone voices and deceive individuals into thinking they are speaking to someone they know. Voice synthesis is the technique behind this manipulation, involving the analysis of a person’s voice to generate new speech that sounds remarkably like the original. While voice synthesis has legitimate applications, scammers leverage it to impersonate someone and trick victims into divulging sensitive information.
How to Protect Yourself:
To protect yourself, establish a secret “family password” with loved ones and be skeptical of unexpected emotional or threatening messages requesting immediate action or money.
Phishing emails have become increasingly sophisticated, often mimicking genuine company or government communications. AI models are trained using examples of content, enabling scammers to train AI algorithms to create highly realistic impersonations of legitimate emails and texts. This technique makes it harder for individuals to discern between real and fake communications
To protect yourself, save the genuine emails of companies or organizations that frequently contact you. Be cautious when asked for personal or login information and verify the authenticity of such requests by calling the organization at a known contact number rather than relying solely on the email or text. Avoid clicking on links from unknown senders and preview URLs before clicking if you’re unsure of their safety.
As hackers and scammers continue to exploit AI in their cyber attacks, it’s crucial to prioritize your cybersecurity. Being skeptical of unexpected contacts and requests for money remains essential. However, it’s important to note that AI can also be used for good, even in the fight against scammers. Consider leveraging proactive AI-based tools like Aura to enhance your protection.
For example: Aura’s AI-powered Call Assistant serves as an effective defense mechanism against spam or scam calls. It screens unknown calls on your behalf, ensuring that only legitimate calls are forwarded to you. To learn more about it and access exclusive Cyber-Seniors discounts, visit aura.com/cyberseniors.
With all the negative talk about AI out there, it may be tempting to shy away from it. However, to ensure our online safety, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest AI developments. By staying up to date, we can better understand the risks and take appropriate measures to protect ourselves in this evolving digital landscape.