Help yourself and Others - by reporting Cyber Crimes to the ACCC - Scamwatch | https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam
BANKS - there is a solution to many cybercrimes
Banks have responsibilities not only to their shareholders but primarily to their customers, who deposit their hard-earned money for safekeeping. Banks must ensure that customers' money is secure from cybercrime.
Surely by now, banks are aware that major institutions have been hacked, and millions of personal data is circulating on the dark web.
With evolving times, banks should adopt technologies that require customer confirmation for transactions.
Visit your bank and request security measures, like a 2-step verification, where the customer can confirm or decline knowledge of the transaction.
If they don't offer security, consider changing banks.
It's disheartening to hear daily about people losing substantial amounts of money and facing financial ruin, not to mention the emotional stress and economic damage caused by cybercriminals. Billions of Dollars (thousands of millions) every year and rising - THIS MUST STOP - GOVERNMENTS DO SOMETHING
One contributing factor is major corporations outsourcing call centers overseas for cost reasons. This practice compromises personal data, making confidentiality a thing of the past.
PEOPLE BE AWARE: Banks, post offices, tax offices, and government bodies do not call or text you. The post office leaves a card if a package couldn't be delivered. The police will visit your door if needed.
Stay alert to avoid scams. Don't hesitate—hang up the phone if you have any doubts. Even if someone claims to be from your bank and knows your personal data or account details, don't believe them. Hang up and call the institution directly.
- TRUST YOU - AND PADDLE YOUR OWN KAJAK -
IMPORTANT STEPS TO REMEMBER
(1) STOP - Don't give money or personal information - if unsure
Scammers will offer to help you or ask you to verify "who you are". They will pretend to be from organisations you know and trust like, Services Australia, police, a bank, government agencies or a fraud service. If it's unusual or you have any doubt, please hang up or delete message.
(2) THINK - Ask yourself could the message or call be fake?
Never click a link in a message. Only contact businesses or government using contact information from their official website or through their secure apps. If you are not sure, hang up or delete the message.
(3) ACT & PROTECT - Act & Protect yourself immediately if something feels wrong.
Contact your bank immediately if you notice some unusual activity or if a scammer gets your money or information.
Please report a Scam to the ACCC Website SCAMWATCH - https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam -
If you don't wish to click on the link, please note the link down on a piece of paper and type manually into your browsers address bar.
(4) PREVENTION - Contact your Bank -
Australian Banks can setup a verification mechanism (only known to you) to confirm, if a transaction is legitimate or not? Let your bank guide you through the best possible fraud protection - Do this ASAP - you will be glad you did. If you have elderly or young family members - please help them -
(5) INVESTMENT SCAMS - Be vigilant and extremely careful -
Investment Scams are causing the largest financial damage of billions of Dollars per year - People investing in unproven, too-good-to-be-true schemes must be made aware of the enormous risk of losing their funds - DON'T BE FOOLED - CYBER CRIMINALS can sound so sincere - REMEMBER if it sounds unusually good - it's 99.99% a SCAM.
Many people falling victims to this type of Scams, do not report them, because they feel stupid, if not idiotic, and are ashamed and will carry emotional marks for a long time. If you lost something before, chances are you will lose again.
Seek help - if needed - and PLEASE REFRAIN FROM VIOLENCE - A true man does not have violence in his veins.
We like to suggest: Before you invest anything, go to a children cancer hospital, and look at the children - if you give something to help these very unfortunate children, we promise you will feel great and on top of the world.
If you walk away without a tear in your eyes - well, at least think again before you invest in a doubtful scheme.
What is Cybercrime?
Cybercrime involves criminal hackers and scammers using software tools or techniques to target or exploit computers, networks, or devices like routers and mobile phones. These crimes can target individuals, companies, or government entities.
Most Cybercrime is financially motivated, but some aim to damage systems for political or personal reasons. Cybercrime can be conducted by individuals or organized groups, ranging from highly skilled professionals to novice hackers.
Scam Reports and Prevention Tips for Australians
Australians made more than 600,000 scam reports last year 2023, losing $2.7 billion (that is 2700 million dollars) overall. Older people suffered the greatest losses, and there was a notable increase in scams originating on social media. Unreported losses - who knows?
Scam Losses in 2022
In 2022, it shows that investment scams were the highest loss category ($1.5 billion), followed by remote access scams ($229 million) and payment redirection scams ($224 million).
“Australians lost more money to scams than ever before in 2022, but the true cost of scams is much more than a dollar figure as they also cause emotional distress to victims, their families, and businesses.”
BREAKING NEWS:
The White House said on Thursday that it will ban the sale of Russia's Kaspersky Lab antivirus software in the United States.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said the company's ties with Moscow posed a risk to its large US customer base.
"Russia has shown it has the capacity and... the intent to exploit Russian companies like Kaspersky to collect and weaponize the personal information of Americans and that is why we are compelled to take the action that we are taking today," Raimondo told reporters.
The block is set to come in on September 29, giving companies that may rely on Kaspersky products to find an alternative. "Kaspersky will generally no longer be able to, among other activities, sell its software within the United States or provide updates to software already in use," the Commerce Department said in a statement.
EDITORS NOTE:
Russian hackers may have used Kaspersky Lab antivirus software for financial crimes globally. Australian users should isolate Kaspersky and consider alternatives like McAfee or Norton.
Protect Your Family & Business
Help your older and younger family members with information and activate security on their devices.
Social Media's Role
Social media giants don't care as long as they make money - they could filter scamming ads, but they don't.
Banking Security and Banks responsibilities
IMPORTANT: Talk to your bank about implementing a mechanism where every transaction must be verified and acknowledged by the account holder before funds are released. This can be a simple text message, so the customer can make an informed decision to authorize the transfer or deny the transaction.
Banks require security from customers on loan applications, and customers trust banks with their funds. Therefore, it is fair and reasonable for banks to offer this verification process to all account holders, therefore dramatically reducing cybercrime, financial damage to customers, as well as reducing the Banks internal operating expenses.
People investing in unproven, too-good-to-be-true schemes must be made aware of the high risk of losing their funds.
Working Together
By sharing information and working together, we can bring Cybercrime dramatically down. Know the risk - if it's too good - it's most likely a scam.
Be Vigilant
Don't rush and don't click on links in emails, which you don't recognize. For mobile phones: text messages - ignore text messages which you don't know for sure are legit. Don't be fooled by text messages - scammers are getting more and more sophisticated. Triple check!! When in doubt - delete - and clear your trash folder regularly.
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Create Complex Passwords: Use a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols.
Avoid Common Words and Phrases: Steer clear of easily guessable passwords like "password123".
Use a Password Manager: This helps generate and store unique passwords for each of your accounts.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Add an Extra Layer of Security: 2FA requires a second form of verification, such as a text message code or authentication app.
Use 2FA for Important Accounts: Apply it to email, banking, and social media accounts.
3. Keep Software Updated
Regularly Update Operating Systems and Applications: Ensure your computer, smartphone, and apps have the latest security patches.
Enable Automatic Updates: This ensures you receive updates as soon as they’re available.
4. Install Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software
Use a reputable Security Software: Protect your devices from viruses, malware, and other threats.
Regular Scans and Real-Time Protection: Schedule regular scans and keep real-time protection enabled.
5. Secure Your Internet Connection
Use a Firewall: Enable the firewall on your router and personal devices.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Transactions: Use a virtual private network (VPN) if you must use public Wi-Fi.
Secure Your Home Wi-Fi: Use strong encryption (WPA3 if available), change the default router password, and hide your network SSID.
6. Be Cautious with Emails and Links
Avoid Phishing Scams: Be wary of emails from unknown senders and don’t click on suspicious links or attachments.
Verify Sources: If an email seems suspicious, verify its authenticity through other means before responding or clicking.
7. Backup Your Data Regularly
Use Cloud Services and External Drives: Regularly back up important files to multiple locations.
Automate Backups: Schedule automatic backups to ensure your data is always protected.
8. Monitor Your Accounts
Regularly Check Bank and Credit Card Statements: Look for unauthorized transactions.
Use Credit Monitoring Services: These services can alert you to potential fraud.
9. Educate Yourself on Cybersecurity
Stay Informed About New Threats: Follow cybersecurity news and updates.
Learn to Recognize Common Scams: Understanding how scams work can help you avoid falling victim to them.
10. Protect Personal Information on Social Media
Limit What You Share: Avoid posting sensitive information like your full name, address, or phone number.
Use Privacy Settings: Adjust your social media settings to control who can see your information.
11. Use Secure Browsing Practices
Only Visit Secure Websites: Look for URLs that start with "https" and have a padlock symbol.
Clear Your Cache and Cookies Regularly: This helps protect your browsing history and personal information.
12. Be Wary of Downloading Software
Download from Trusted Sources: Only install software from reputable and verified sources.
Avoid Pirated Software: It can contain malware and other security threats.
By implementing these practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to digital criminal activity. Stay vigilant and proactive to keep your digital life secure.