How to Avoid Online Scams: Essential Tips for Protecting Yourself Against the Latest Con Tricks

Surge in Online Scams: How cybercriminals Are Exploiting Calendars and Security features

Washington D.C. – A growing number of Americans are finding themselves targets of increasingly sophisticated online scams, with fraudsters infiltrating digital calendars and exploiting security systems designed to protect personal information. A newly released survey indicates a notable rise in prosperous attacks, prompting cybersecurity experts to warn the public about evolving threats.

The Pew Research Center recently reported that approximately 73% of over 9,000 U.S. adults surveyed have experienced at least one online scam or attack. Credit card fraud,deceptive online shopping practices,and particularly damaging ransomware attacks are among the most frequently encountered cons. Ransomware, malicious software that locks users out of their files until a ransom is paid, remains a significant threat.

New Tactics: Beyond Customary Phishing

While traditional phishing methods – deceptive emails, texts, and calls soliciting personal data – remain prevalent, criminals are now leveraging less obvious attack vectors. These include manipulating online calendars, compromising multi-factor authentication processes, and utilizing deceptive HTML attachments.

Calendar Exploits: The Unsolicited Invite

Scammers are now injecting unsolicited calendar invitations into email accounts. Unlike typical phishing attempts requiring immediate interaction,these invites automatically populate calendars,potentially misleading users into believing they previously scheduled the event. iskander Sanchez-Rola, Director of Artificial Intelligence and innovation for Norton, explains that clicking on the invite can lead to phishing websites disguised as legitimate meeting links, or trigger the download of malware disguised as software updates. this tactic frequently targets work email accounts and connected calendar applications.

Warning Signs of a Calendar Scam:

• The appointment appeared on your calendar without your explicit scheduling.
• The link or sender address within the invite contains misspellings or irregularities.
• The meeting appears solely on your calendar, with no other attendees.

Pro Tip: Change your online calendar settings to prevent automatic updates. for microsoft Outlook, follow these instructions.google users can adjust their settings here.

Multi-Factor Authentication Under Attack

multi-factor authentication (MFA), often considered a robust security measure, is also being targeted. Derek Manky, Chief Security Strategist and Global Vice President of Threat Intelligence at Fortinet, notes that MFA attacks have existed for over a decade, but are continually evolving. The current scheme involves flooding users with a barrage of authentication requests they didn’t initiate, hoping they’ll eventually approve one out of exhaustion or confusion.

Warning Signs of an MFA Scam:

• Receiving authentication requests or verification codes when you haven’t requested them.
• A rapid succession of notifications from your authentication app without prompting.

What to Do: Resist the urge to approve any login requests you didn’t initiate. Approving a fraudulent login is akin to handing your digital keys to a stranger. Opt for authentication apps that provide verification codes instead of simple ‘yes/no’ prompts.

Here’s a comparison of common authentication app features:

Authentication App	Verification Method	security Notes
2FAS	Verification code	Open-source and highly configurable.
Aegis Authenticator	Verification Code	Offline functionality for added security.
Microsoft Authenticator	Verification Code / Push notification	Seamless integration with Microsoft accounts.
Google Authenticator	Verification Code	Widely supported and easy to use.

deceptive HTML Attachments

The tactic of sending emails with malicious HTML attachments remains a persistent threat.These attachments can redirect users to fake websites designed to steal credentials or download malware onto their systems. Fraudsters commonly impersonate trusted organizations to increase the likelihood of success.

Warning Signs of a Malicious HTML Attachment:

• The email is from an unknown sender.
• The attachment is unsolicited and appears suspicious.

What to Do: Exercise extreme caution before opening any email attachment. Be vigilant for typosquatting – subtle variations in the URL of the attachment that mimic legitimate websites.

Staying Safe Online: Long-Term Protection

Online security is an ongoing process. Regularly updating passwords, being cautious about clicking links, and keeping software up to date are crucial habits. Consider using a reputable password manager to generate and store strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts. Regularly review your account activity for any unauthorized transactions or logins.

Did You Know? The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received over 800,000 complaints in 2023, with reported losses exceeding $12.5 billion. Learn more at IC3.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions about Online Scams

Are you confident in your ability to identify a phishing attempt? What steps will you take today to enhance your online security?

Share this article with your friends and family to help them stay protected against these evolving online threats.

What are the most common online scams?

Spotting the Scammers: Identifying Red Flags in the Digital Age

Online scams are constantly evolving. Understanding the tactics used by scammers is the first step in protecting yourself. Be aware of these common online scams and red flags:

Phishing Attempts: Scammers often impersonate legitimate organizations (banks, tech support, etc.) via email, SMS, or phone calls to steal personal details. Keywords: Phishing scams, email phishing, text phishing, online security.

fake Websites: Look closely at website addresses. Scammers create look-alike websites to steal your credit card details or personal login credentials. Keywords: Website security, fake websites, online fraud.

Unrealistic Offers: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of unbelievable discounts, promises of high returns, or free offers. Keywords: Investment scams,work-from-home scams,online deals.

Pressure Tactics: Scammers often create a sense of urgency (e.g., “your account will be closed,” “limited-time offer”) to pressure you into acting quickly without thinking. Keywords: Scam tactics, pressure sales, urgency.

Suspicious Requests for Information: Legitimate companies won’t typically ask for sensitive information (social security number, full banking details, passwords) via email or unsolicited contact. Keywords: Data security, personal information, identity theft.

Requests for Payment via Unusual Methods: Be cautious about requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency as these are difficult, frequently enough impractical, to trace. Keywords: Payment scams, online payments, safe payment methods.

Protecting Your Online Accounts: Best Practices for Enhanced Security

Securing your online accounts is crucial for preventing scams.Follow these key security tips:

Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Create strong passwords for all your accounts. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters,numbers,and symbols. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.

Keywords: Password security, strong passwords, password management.

enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a verification code (usually sent to your phone) in addition to your password.

Keywords: Two-factor authentication, 2FA, account security.

Regularly Update Passwords: Change your passwords every few months, especially for key accounts like email and banking.

Keywords: Password hygiene,account updates,security review.

Monitor Your accounts: Regularly check your account activity for any suspicious transactions or login attempts.

Keywords: Account monitoring, transaction security, login history.

Be Cautious of Public Wi-fi: Avoid accessing sensitive information (banking, retail) on public Wi-Fi networks. If you must use public Wi-Fi, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

Keywords: Public Wi-fi security, VPN, online privacy.

Safe Browsing habits: Navigating the Web Safely

your browsing habits play a significant role in your online safety

Verify Website Security: Before entering any personal information, make sure the website has “https://” in the address bar and a padlock icon, indicating a secure connection.

Keywords: Website security,https,secure websites.

Be Wary of Pop-Up Ads: Avoid clicking on pop-up ads,especially those that promise something for free. They can lead you to malicious websites.

keywords: Pop-up scams,ad security,internet browsing.

Keep Your Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system,web browser,and antivirus software to protect against known vulnerabilities.

Keywords: Software updates, antivirus software, security patches.

Be Careful What You Click: Don’t click on links or attachments in emails or messages from unknown senders. Always verify the sender’s authenticity.

Keywords: Link security, email attachments, online safety.

Use a Reputable Antivirus Program: Install and regularly update a reliable antivirus program to scan for malware and protect against online threats.

Keywords: Antivirus protection, malware, computer security.

Reporting and Recovering from Online Scams: What to Do if You Are a Victim