Category: online security

All You Need to Know About Tech Support Scams

by Advantage One, posted in Lifestyle, online security, security, Tips & Best Practices, Uncategorized

There’s little in life that’s more frustrating than a computer that refuses to do its job. You click and swipe, type and jab, but nothing is solving the issue. And then, like your own private miracle, a message appears on your screen. It says: “Technical difficulties? Click here for assistance.” 

Unfortunately, if you follow the instructions on the screen, you’ll likely be falling directly into a scammer’s trap. Here’s what you need to know about technical support scams and how to prevent yourself from falling victim to these ruses.

How the scams play out

In a technical support scam, a target will receive an email, text message, pop-up or even a phone call that’s allegedly from a computer technician who works for a well-known company. The “company rep” will offer to help the target with any computer issues they may (or may not) be having. They’ll direct the target to call a specific number or click on an embedded link, which will connect them to the “rep” who can supposedly help them. Once connected, the scammer will ask the victim to pay for the services before they’re rendered using a money wire, prepaid gift card or cryptocurrency. Once the payment has been made, the scammer will disappear. 

In other variations of the scam, the alleged computer rep will ask for payment via credit card and then fraud the victim using this information. Or, they may demand checking account details and then steal the victim’s identity. In yet another variation, they’ll ask for access to the victim’s computer and then proceed to install malware on the computer, which can enable them to steal the victim’s identity sometime in the future. 

Red flags 

Watch out for these red flags to alert you to a possible technical support scam:

  • You receive an unsolicited message or phone call offering technical support for an issue you aren’t having.
  • You receive an unsolicited message or phone call offering technical support with the caveat that you pre-pay via wire transfer, prepaid gift card or crypto.
  • You’re asked to share your credit card or banking account details over the phone or by email with an unverified contact.
  • A pop-up message appears on your screen claiming there’s a security issue with your computer and directing you to call a specific number. The pop-up may use a logo from a trusted company.

What you need to know about tech support

This information can help you avoid falling for a tech support scam:

  • Legitimate tech companies will never reach out to you via phone, email or text message to let you know your computer is having issues. 
  • Security pop-up warnings from authentic companies will never ask you to call a number or click on a link. 
  • Legitimate companies will never demand that you pay for a service via wire transfer, prepaid gift card or cryptocurrency. 
  • Logos are easily spoofed and should never serve as proof of a message’s true origin.

Protect yourself

Don’t fall prey to a tech support scam! 

First, if you ever run into technical difficulties with your computer, don’t wait for a rep to contact you offering assistance. Instead, directly reach out to a trusted company. Find their contact info online, through an official business listing or website, and definitely not through a pop-up ad. 

Another wise course of action to take when you believe there may be a problem with your computer is to update your computer’s security software and run a scan. This will ensure your computer is operating at its strongest capacity and help you identify any potential problems.

Finally, never provide access to your device to an unverified contact. Similarly, never share sensitive information over the phone or email unless you are absolutely sure of the contact’s authenticity. 

If you’ve been targeted

If you believe you’ve been targeted by a tech support scam, there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage. 

If you’ve given a scammer remote access to your computer, update your computer’s security software as soon as possible. Run a scan, too, and delete anything flagged as a problem. If you’ve shared your username and password with a scammer, change all passwords on your accounts, being sure to create strong, unique codes that aren’t related to your personal information. 

Finally, you’ll also want to report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This way, the authorities can take the appropriate measures toward apprehending the criminals behind the scam.

Don’t get caught in a tech support scam! Use the tips here to stay safe. 

TikTok Inspo: Can you scam us? Try to pull a technical support scam on us using the information described here. 

Don’t Get Caught in an Emergency Scam!

by Advantage One, posted in Lifestyle, News & Events, online security, security, Tips & Best Practices, Uncategorized

It’s your grandson on the line and he’s in deep trouble! He’s telling you he’s been kidnapped for ransom, or perhaps he’s in trouble with the police and needs money for bail. Whatever the “emergency,” he’s asking you to wire money ASAP!

You may already be calculating how much you can send, but pause for a moment, because you’re likely being scammed. Here’s what you need to know about emergency scams and how to protect yourself. 

How the scams play out

In an emergency scam, a target receives a phone call, email or text message allegedly from a close relative. The caller claims to have been caught in hot water, which can be anything from a kidnapping, an issue with the police, a car accident or even getting stuck overseas with no money. Sometimes, the call will include another party, such as the “kidnappers” or “police officers” who are supposedly involved in the emergency. 

The caller will then ask the target to send over money as soon as possible using a wire transfer or prepaid debit card. They’ll also demand that this information not be shared with any other family members. They’ll claim to be embarrassed that they’ve gotten into this situation and ask that you honor their request to keep it quiet. 

While emergency scams are commonly played out with a grandparent of an alleged caller, they can also target parents, uncles, aunts and siblings of the “caller”. They may even call posing as a friend or old neighbor of the target in an attempt to lure them into the scam.

Unfortunately, if the target follows the directions of the caller and sends over money, these funds will go directly into the pockets of a scammer. 

How emergency scams lure victims 

If you’re reading the description of an emergency scam and thinking that no one could possibly fall for one of these ruses, think again. Scammers use several convincing methods to convince their targets that they are actually the caller they claim to be. 

First, the scammer will troll the target’s social media pages to learn their name, home address, job details, date of birth and any other details about their life. Sometimes, they’ll hack the target’s email account to get this information. 

Next, scammers may pretend to be an “authority figure” who allegedly authenticates the caller’s story. They may pose as a lawyer, police officer or even a doctor. Victims are often pulled into the scam when they hear an alleged authority figure on the call with their relative.

Finally, some scammers go the extra mile by using AI to clone the “caller’s” voice. They simply scrape an audio clip they find on the internet and then use a voice-cloning program to make the emergency sound legitimate, even though it never happened. 

Red flags

Here are some signs that can alert you to possibility of an emergency scam:

  • Your “relative” calls you to tell you about an emergency situation they’ve landed in, but they ask that you not share this information with any other family members.
  • You’re urged to act quickly.
  • You’re asked to send money via untraceable means, such as a wire transfer, prepaid gift card or cryptocurrency. 
  • You’re asked to share sensitive information over the phone.

Protect yourself

Follow these tips to keep yourself safe from emergency scams:

  • If a friend or family member calls you with an urgent request for funds, hang up and call them directly from a phone number they’ll recognize. 
  • Never wire money or send a prepaid gift card to an unverified contact. 
  • If you’re unsure whether a caller is actually your friend or family member, ask them questions about some of your shared memories to determine if the caller is actually who they claim to be.
  • Always be cautious and avoid acting rashly, regardless of the situation.
  • Don’t share your personal information with an unknown contact. 
  • Don’t be afraid to share details of a phone call with other family members and friends, despite instructions not to do so.

Emergency scams play on the target’s emotions and assume they will act quickly to save their relative from a hairy situation. Stay calm and alert, and use the information here to avoid getting caught in an emergency scam.

TikTok Inspo: Can you scam us? Try to trap us in an emergency scam using the information detailed here.

6 Ways to Tell if a Website is Safe

by Advantage One, posted in App Reviews, Lifestyle, online security, security, Uncategorized

In today’s world, where we get our furniture, news and entertainment through the internet, staying safe online is paramount. The web is rife with scammers employing sophisticated tactics to get at your money and your information. Unwittingly visiting an unsafe website can lead to scammers installing malware in your device, which can include spyware that finds your financial information and delivers it to the scammers, as well as ransomware, which can hold your device and data hostage for a steep fee. Each of these can result in scammers emptying your accounts, taking out new loans and lines of credit in your name and, ultimately, committing identity theft with your personal information.

Fortunately, with the right steps and protective measures, you can easily avoid unsafe websites. Here are six ways to tell if a website is safe and secure.

  1. Look for an SSL certificate 

Secure websites will have an SSL, or a Secure Sockets Layer. An SSL is a digital certificate that verifies a website is authentic and will automatically encrypt all personal information and financial data. There are two primary indicators of an SSL, both of which are easily visible in the site’s URL that’s displayed in your web browser:

  • An ‘s’ after the ‘http’
  • A padlock icon

It’s important to note that most browsers will hide the beginning of the URL, which generally includes these two indicators of an SSL. However, you can easily read the entire URL by copying and pasting it to another tab, a Microsoft Word document or a Google Drive doc. Some browsers will also reveal this info if you hover over the left-hand side of the URL. In addition, clicking on the padlock icon will reveal more information about the site’s security.

  1. Evaluate the URL structure

Next, look at the URL carefully. Are there any misspelled words? Does the URL mimic a well-known site or retailer? Scammers will often lure victims by creating bogus sites that look like they represent well-known companies. However, careful scrutiny of the URL will reveal basic spelling errors that give the scam away. You may also find that the site, which allegedly represents a famous company, belongs to a public domain, such as Gmail or Yahoo, as opposed to a private business domain, like Amazon.com. This, too, will tell you that you’re likely looking at a scam.

  1. Look for the company’s contact info

Legitimate companies are eager to have you connect with them for any reason. They’ll generally display their contact information on their home page or provide a link through which to easily access it. Scammers, on the other hand, try to keep themselves as invisible as possible. You likely won’t find any tabs that say “Contact Us” or “About Us” on their website. You may find their email address on their site, but a phone number and street address will be glaringly absent or clearly made up.

  1. Check the spelling and graphics

Authentic companies will take the necessary steps to make a professional impression on visitors to their website. Scammers, on the other hand, will not. Use their carelessness to your advantage by looking out for spelling mistakes and typos throughout the site. You can also be on the lookout for cheap design elements, including images that are clearly not original and logos that are poorly created. Each of these clues can signify a scammy website.

  1. Heed your device’s security warnings 

If you enter a site’s URL into your computer and a warning pops up to alert you that the site you’re attempting to access is not safe, do not ignore it. You can choose to advance to this site, or back out. Unless you’re absolutely sure the site is secure despite the warning, it’s best not to choose to advance to the site. Websites that are flagged by devices generally do not pass the most basic security tests as detailed above.

  1. Opt out of sites that flood you with pop-ups and links

Scammy websites will try to trick you into downloading malware through pop-ups and embedded links. Sometimes, the links will be used to generate ad revenue through clicks. Whatever the intent, it’s important to know that reputable sites will not flood your screen with pop-ups and random links for you to click. If you encounter a site like this, you’re likely looking at a scam and should exit as soon as possible. Then, close your browser and have your security system run a scan on your device to find any possible vulnerabilities or safety breaches.

Don’t get stuck on an unsafe site! Use the tips here to stay safe.

TikTok Inspo: How do you spot an unsafe site? Tell us about it in a short video.

The U.S. Is the Most Scammed Country In the World

by Advantage One, posted in Announcements, Lifestyle, online security, security, Tips & Best Practices, Uncategorized

A recent report by Social Catfish, an online investigation service, found that the U.S. is the most scammed country in the world. A staggering amount of money was lost to scams in 2022, and that number will likely continue to trend upward, thanks to newly available mediums for scammers, like artificial intelligence (AI). 

The good news is, with the right information, you can protect yourself from being part of next year’s scam statistics. 

Let’s take a look at some of the significant findings of the report, and how you can keep your money and your information safe. 

Who gets scammed the most?

With an astounding 466,501 online scams in 2022, the U.S. leads the world as the country with the most scam victims per year. The U.K., Canada, India and Australia follow as the respective second through fifth most-scammed countries across the globe. 

Of the 50 states, California had the most online scam victims in 2022, at 80,766, with an average of $24,921 lost per victim at a total loss of $2,012,806,866. Florida is next in line with 42,792 victims with an average loss per victim of $19,746. North Dakota takes the prize for the lowest number of scam victims, at just 703. It’s important to note that these are actual numbers and not percentages of each state’s population. Of course, more populated states, like California and Florida, have higher numbers of scam victims than more sparsely populated states, like Montana.

Among age groups, teens and children have seen the largest percentage increase in money lost. Victims in the under-20 age group lost $210 million in 2022, compared to $8.2 million in 2017. Seniors still hold the place as the most victimized group, though, with their overall losses totalling $3.1 billion. 

How much money was lost to scams in 2022?

A record $10.3 billion was lost to online scams in 2022, up from $6.9 billion in 2021. This represents an increase of 277% from $2.7 billion in 2017, according to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center. When including an estimate for unreported scam victims, the total money lost to online scams in 2022 jumps to a staggering $200 billion. In addition, the average loss per victim per incident was a whopping $12,859, which is up from $8,142 in 2021. 

The report also shows that 81% of romance scam victims do not come forward. As one of the most common scams, this means there are likely thousands more victims who are not part of the report.

Unfortunately, only 4.2% of stolen funds were recovered, the report shows. The FBI IC3 Recovery Asset Team was only able to recover $433 million of the $10.3 billion lost in 2022. This is largely due to the fact that the majority of scams originated out of the country and out of the jurisdiction of the FBI. 

Where are people getting scammed?

Social Catfish polled 5,500 online scam victims to identify the platforms and apps where people are getting scammed most often. The poll found that most online scams happen on Facebook (32%), Google Hangouts (16%), WhatsApp (16), Plenty of Fish (16%) and Instagram (14%). 

How to avoid scams

Keep your money and your information safe with these protective measures:

  • Keep the security on your devices at its strongest settings and updated with the most recent patches.
  • Never share personally identifiable information, including your Social Security number, banking details and credit card number, with an unverified contact. 
  • When interacting with a new online friend or love interest, perform a reverse photo search on any shared pics to verify their authenticity. 
  • Never click on embedded links or download attachments from emails sent by unknown contacts. 
  • Never wire money to an unverified contact. 
  • Use strong, unique and long passwords for each of your accounts. A password manager can help you generate and remember unbreakable passwords. 
  • Watch out for these red flags in websites, ads and emails: poor grammar and spelling, lack of a physical address and/or phone number, claims of being in the military and/or working overseas, demands to be paid by wire transfer, or in gift card or cryptocurrency and use of a URL that is very similar to a reputable company’s web address.
  • Report any scam and scam attempt to the FTC, IC3, FBI and your financial institution.

The statistics on scams may be frightening, but you don’t have to be the next victim. Follow the tips outlined above to stay safe. 

Gen Z and Scams: What You Didn’t Know About the Young and Fraud

by Advantage One, posted in Lifestyle, online security, security, Tips & Best Practices

Quick question: if a scammer was trying to pull off a con on two groups of people, one aged 13-21, and one aged 55+, which group would be more likely to fall for the scam?

If you’d guess the group aged 55+, you may want to think again.

Yes, older adults are a more vulnerable group that is also sometimes less tech savvy than their younger counterparts. They have long been labeled the age group that is most likely to fall for a scam. But it’s time for the young to face the reality that their parents, even if they may not have their own TikTok account or know what a situationship is, do know a thing or two about life. Apparently, experience and common sense born of age are quite the teachers.  

A recent study by Social Catfish, an online investigation service, found that no age group has fallen for online scams at a quicker rate than people under the age of 21. From 2017 to 2022, the money lost by Gen Z grew close to 2,500% compared to 805% for seniors. In total, teens lost $8.2 million in 2017, and $210 million in 2022. While older adults still lose the most money to scams, teens are falling for them with the most velocity of all age groups.

Here’s why scammers are targeting teens, what kind of scams they’re pulling off and what you, as a teen or parent of a teen, can do to protect yourself or your child. 

Why are teens more likely to fall for scams?

It’s often assumed that, as the generation born with a smartphone in each hand, Gen Z is naturally savvy enough to identify online scams. Unfortunately, though, statistics prove otherwise. 

One reason Gen Z may not be able to spot scams is linked to the fact that many of them had a Facebook and Instagram account of their own before they were out of diapers – and this is hardly an exaggeration. While most of us grew up hearing warnings about talking to strangers, they’ve been encouraged to interact with strangers online since they’ve been old enough to type. They’re also used to sharing the details of their lives with anyone who asks (or doesn’t). Is it any wonder, then, that they sometimes share too much information with the wrong people?

Another factor leading to the disproportionate number of Gen Zers who lose money to scams is the simple fact that this generation spends an enormous amount of time online. Consequently, they’re more exposed to scams and more likely to fall for one at any given time. 

Scams teens fall for the most

You won’t find the ubiquitous inheritance and sweepstakes scams in the pool of scams teens are being hit with these days. Instead, you’ll find these, among other, common scams: 

  • Online retail scams. Scams promising free or cheap products that don’t get delivered are as old as the internet itself. But what may surprise you is that 83% of young adults who encounter an online retail scam will fall for it, according to the Better Business Bureau. 
  • Romance scams. Scammers target teens using stolen photos and build up a fake romance. When a relationship has formed, the scammer asks the teen for money. 
  • Sextortion scams. Here, a scammer sends explicit photos to teens and asks for one in return. When the teen complies, they’ll threaten to publicize the photo unless the teen pays up. 
  • Amazon scams. Here, a target will receive a text message from “Amazon” informing them of an issue with the delivery of an item they’ve ordered. Alternatively, it’ll claim there’s a problem with their Prime account. The target will be instructed to share personal information to fix the problem, which will actually give the scammer access to their account.
  • Student loan scams. This scam isn’t new, but will likely increase in prevalence with the recent and upcoming changes to student loan payments. In the scam, fake websites with bogus Department of Education logos trick students into sharing their personal information.
  • Online gaming scams. In this scam, fraudsters impersonate real vendors selling in-game purchases. They’ll ply victims with phishing links, which give them direct access to the victims’ accounts. 
  • Fake check scams. Here, a victim will receive an authentic-looking check as payment for a new job. The victim will be overpaid, and asked to cash the check and refund the extra. Unfortunately, the check will bounce a few days later, and by then, it may be too late for the victim to reclaim their funds. According to the Federal Trade Commission, people in their 20s are more than twice as likely to fall for a check scam. 

How to avoid getting scammed

Here’s how teens (and everyone) can protect themselves from getting scammed:

  • Keep the security settings on your devices updated with the most recent patches. 
  • Keep your social media pages private. 
  • Never share personally identifiable information online with an unverified contact. 
  • Don’t wire money to an unverified contact. 
  • Research the company posting any job you consider, looking for online ratings and reviews, a street address and phone number, as well as possible mention of scams. 
  • Never download a link from an unknown source. 
  • Visit sites directly instead of clicking on a link that’s embedded in an ad. 
  • Check the URL of every site you visit to ensure it’s legitimate, such as Amazon.com and StudentAid.gov. 
  • Choose strong, unique and long passwords for all your accounts. 
  • Be wary of any website, ad or email that features poor writing and has lots of typos. 
  • Stay updated on the latest scams.

Teens are growing up in a fast-paced and tech-obsessed world. It can get scary at times. Use the tips outlined here to help them stay safe.

What Should I Do If My Credit Card’s Been Frauded?

by Advantage One, posted in Budgeting, Credit, Lifestyle, online security, security, Tips & Best Practices

Q: I’ve just discovered that my credit card’s been frauded. I’m in a total state of panic. What should I do now?

A: Credit card fraud is a serious problem that affects nearly half a million Americans annually. Learning that your card’s been frauded can be stressful and very worrying. However, there are proactive steps you can take to mitigate the damage and help you move forward. Keep calm, and take a look at what to do if your credit card has been compromised.

Notify your credit card issuer

As soon as you discover fraudulent activity on your credit card account, contact the card issuer through their customer service hotline. Let them know about the unauthorized charges and provide them the details of the transactions. Most credit card issuers have 24/7 customer support to promptly handle situations like these. By reporting the fraud immediately, you limit your liability for the fraudulent charges and prevent further unauthorized use of your card. 

It’s important to note that major credit card companies have a zero liability policy for fraudulent charges. Even if your credit card company does not have this policy, your liability for credit card fraud is capped at $50 under the Fair Credit Billing Act. 

Freeze your card and request a replacement

Once you’ve contacted your credit card issuer, ask them to freeze the compromised card so that no additional charges can be made on this account. Next, request a replacement card with a new account number and security code. The credit card issuer will guide you through the process and ensure that your old card is deactivated. Don’t forget to update any automatic payments or subscriptions that are linked to your old card.

Review your statements and dispute unauthorized charges

Often, when a scammer gains access to a victim’s credit card account, they gain access to all of their personal information. Consequently, it’s crucial that you continue to review your credit card statements for any other unauthorized transactions in the months following the fraud. Report all unrecognized charges to your credit card issuer and file a dispute. This typically involves filling out a form or submitting a written statement. Keep copies of all communication and documentation related to the disputed charges for future reference.

Contact a credit bureau and request a fraud alert 

Next, contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to ask that a fraud alert be placed on your credit reports. The bureau you contact will notify the other two, ensuring that potential creditors are alerted to the possibility of fraudulent activity. A fraud alert requires creditors to verify your identity before issuing new credit. This way, the scammer who’s frauded your credit card account can’t use your information to take out a loan or open an additional line of credit. 

At this time, you may also want to place a credit freeze on your name, which will make it impossible for anyone to open a new line of credit in your name. This may, of course, prevent you from obtaining a new credit card at this time, but it will provide you with the ultimate protection against additional fraud. If you do go this route, you will need to request a freeze from each of the credit bureaus.

Monitor your credit reports

Keep a close eye on your credit reports in the months following the fraudulent activity. Check for any new accounts opened in your name or other suspicious activity. Consider subscribing to a credit monitoring service that alerts you to any changes or inquiries on your credit reports. Early detection of any fraudulent activity can help prevent further damage and assist in resolving any issues that may arise.

Strengthen your online security 

Take steps to enhance your online security to prevent future incidents. Change your passwords for all online banking, shopping and other financial accounts. Consider enabling two-factor authentication for added security. Be extra careful about sharing sensitive information when online and be vigilant against phishing or smishing attempts. Regularly update your antivirus software and keep your devices and operating systems patched with the latest security updates.

Report the fraud to law enforcement agencies

If you’ve confirmed that you’re a fraud victim, it’s a good idea to report the crime to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Visit the Federal Trade Commission’s IdentityTheft.gov website, where you can file an identity theft report. 

Credit card fraud can wreck your life, but taking the proper steps as soon as you’ve discovered the fraud can minimize the damage. Use this guide to know what to do in the event of credit card fraud.  

Fool Me Once: Scams, Stories, and Secrets from the Trillion-Dollar Fraud Industry

by Advantage One, posted in book review, online security, Reviews, security, Tips & Best Practices, Uncategorized

Title: Fool Me Once: Scams, Stories, and Secrets from the Trillion-Dollar Fraud Industry 

Author: Kelly Richmond Pope

Hardcover: 288 pages

Publisher: Harvard Business Review Press

Publishing Date: March 21, 2023

Who is this book for? 

  • Anyone who has ever wondered why investors were easily duped by Elizabeth Holmes, or how any of the thousands of scams fraudsters pull off each year is successful.
  • Anyone who has ever wondered how to identify the scams that cost consumers and businesses trillions of collective dollars annually. 

What’s inside this book?

  • Fascinating stories and insightful analysis on fraud, culled from Pope’s years as a forensic accounting expert.
  • On-target tips for recognizing fraud and protecting yourself from becoming a victim.

4 questions this book will answer for you:  

  1. How is it possible for scammers to dupe successful mega-businesses, as well as educated, bright consumers?
  2. What really motivates whistleblowers?
  3. Are my beliefs about fraud legitimate?
  4. What really makes perps tick and victims gullible?

What people are saying about this book: 

“Fool Me Once is insightful, educational, and highly entertaining. Based on hundreds of hours of direct personal contact with fraudsters, Kelly Richmond Pope offers a riveting take on the human side of fraud. A must-read!” — Bethany McLean

“Fool Me Once is required reading for anyone who wants to better understand perpetrators, victims, and whistleblowers and how to better prevent, detect, and investigate fraud.” — Cynthia Cooper

“Accessible, humorous, and engaging, Fool Me Once includes fascinating stories from the perspective of one of the nation’s foremost fraud research experts. I recommend this book for corporate and academic discussion or for anyone interested in understanding and preventing fraud. I do not recommend it for potential fraudsters!” — Paula A. Price

“Fool Me Once sets the bar high for how to protect yourself from scammers. It is an essential read.” — Joe Navarro

TikTok Inspo: Can you sell us on picking up a copy of this book? Give us your take on Fool Me Once in a 15-second video. 

5 Amazon Scams You Need to Know About

by Advantage One, posted in App Reviews, Lifestyle, online security, security, Tips & Best Practices, Uncategorized

When it comes to convenience, service and sheer scope of products, nothing beats Amazon. The world’s largest and most popular online marketplace is the 21st century shopper’s go-to for virtually any product under the sun. Unfortunately, though, Amazon is also rife with scammers. Here are five Amazon scams and tips from the e-commerce giant for protecting yourself from falling victim to these schemes.

  1. Update your order

In this scam, a shopper places an order on Amazon and waits for it to arrive. Before it shows up at their doorstep, though, they receive a phone call or written notification via email or text message, informing them that there is an issue with their account. It further claims that the customer must update or confirm their information before they can receive their purchase. The contact may ask the target to re-share their payment information or other personally identifiable information (PII). Often, the target believes the request is legit and willingly shares this information.

Don’t get scammed: If you’re asked to update your payment information and/or something seems off, go directly into your Amazon account and check the “Your Orders” section. If you aren’t prompted to update your payment method on that screen, the message you received is from a scammer. Amazon will never ask for payment over the phone, by text or via email.

  1. You’re owed a refund

In this scam, a target receives a text or email stating they’ve been overcharged for a recent Amazon purchase and are owed a refund. The target is directed to call the provided phone number. When they call, an alleged Amazon rep will ask to be granted access to the target’s computer so they can issue the refund. Unfortunately, doing that will give a scammer direct access to the victim’s computer and financial accounts. 

Don’t get scammed: Any notification from Amazon will be available on the company’s website. If you are owed a refund, you’ll find all the information you need to know within your secure account.

  1. Off-platform payments

In this scam, a target finds a product they’d like to purchase on Amazon. However, when they try to complete the transaction, the seller asks them to follow a link for an off-platform payment, usually via a P2P payment platform like Zelle or Venmo. While these platforms may be secure, completing the purchase off Amazon’s site or app means losing all purchase protection that Amazon provides. The customer will also likely end up with a faulty product, or no product at all. 

Don’t get scammed: Authentic Amazon sellers will never ask for payment outside the actual Amazon site. 

  1. Amazon Prime Video scams

In this scam, consumers looking to set up Amazon Prime Video on their SmartTV are lured into bogus sites by clicking on pop-up ads including keywords like “Set up Prime on TV”. The fake sites look identical to Amazon’s SmartTV setup page, so the victim believes they’ve landed on the correct page. The target will be asked to enter Amazon’s six-digit code on their TV and then call the phone number the site provides. Once on the phone with a victim, the scammers will direct them into sharing the two-factor authentication code that was sent to their device via Amazon. Unfortunately, if the target complies, they’ll be giving a scammer access to their Amazon account. Don’t get scammed: Never share your passwords, authorization codes and/or login credentials over the phone. If you need to set up Amazon Prime Video on your SmartTIV, visit

Amazon’s website directly and follow the instructions here. It’s also good to know that all legitimate Amazon websites have a dot before “amazon.com,” such as “pay.amazon.com”. Any link to a website that contains the words “amazon” but does not follow this rule is a scammy site.

  1. Mystery boxes, prizes and crazy-low deals

Here, a scammer tries to snag a victim by offering something that sounds too good to miss. Of course, it’s also too good to be true. The scam may take the form of a “mystery box” sold on Amazon, prizes the target has randomly “won” or deals that practically give the item away. In each of these cases, the victim receives a message allegedly from Amazon, claiming they’ve won a prize. It may also promote a mystery box sale or a once-in-a-lifetime deal. The victim will be directed to click a link or call a number to receive the prize or item. Of course, doing so will lead them right into the hands of the scammer, who will ask for their PII, or download malware onto their computer. 

Don’t get scammed: Never follow a seller’s directions away from the actual Amazon site. Also, if something seems too good to be true, it likely is.

Stay alert and follow the tips mentioned here to enjoy shopping on the world’s largest marketplace without compromising on your safety.

TikTok Inspo: Can you scam us? Impersonate an Amazon scammer using one of the schemes described above or another one you’ve come across. Catch us in your scam … if you can!

AI Fraud and How to Protect Yourself

by Advantage One, posted in online security, security, Tips & Best Practices

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way we live and work. Unfortunately, though, it’s also revolutionizing the way scammers con unsuspecting victims into sharing their personally identifiable information and their money. Here’s what you need to know about AI fraud and how to protect yourself.

What is AI fraud?

AI fraud is the use of artificial intelligence to deceive or defraud individuals or organizations. When using artificial intelligence to pull off a scam, fraudsters use AI algorithms to create convincing fake identities, manipulate social media, generate realistic fake images and videos (AKA “deepfakes”) and more. The scammers then create fake social media profiles and email addresses using these bogus identities and footage. Often, they’ll pretend to represent celebrities or other famed personalities for soliciting money and information. 

In another form of AI fraud, scammers use social engineering tactics to trick people into giving them their personal information or money. They may create fake websites or emails that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as financial institutions or government agencies, and ask people to provide their personal information or login credentials.

AI fraud is especially dangerous because its sophistication makes it difficult to detect. Thanks to AI technology, scammers appear to be legitimate, increasing the likelihood that people will fall for their scams.

Types of AI Fraud

AI fraud is executed in several forms, including:

  • Phishing
  • Identity theft
  • Deepfakes
  • Fake news
  • Social media manipulation
  • Chatbot scams
  • Fraudulent financial advice

Each type of AI fraud has its own unique characteristics and risks. 

Red flags

Are you being targeted by AI fraud? These red flags may be your first clue of an AI scam:

  • Multiple unsolicited emails and/or text messages
  • Being asked to provide personal information or login credentials by an unverified contact
  • Unusual and/or unexplained activity on your social media accounts
  • Receiving financial advice that seems too good to be true

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to be cautious and investigate further. If the contact claims to represent a government agency, do not engage. Reach out directly to the agency that supposedly contacted you to see if the communication is legit. Follow the same steps if you’ve been contacted by an alleged representative of Advantage One Credit Union and something about the interaction has set alarm bells ringing in your head. It’s always better to be on the safe side when it comes to your personally identifiable information and your money. 

Protect  yourself

You don’t have to wait to be targeted by AI fraud to protect yourself from falling victim to these scams. Keep your money and information secure by following these precautions at all times:

  • Never share sensitive information online with an unverified contact.
  • Always check the URL of each landing page when banking online or using another platform to share sensitive information. Look for the “s” after the “http” and the padlock icon, as well as the correct spelling of the company’s website to ensure you haven’t been lured into a look-alike scammy site. 
  • Use strong, unique passwords across all of your accounts. 
  • Keep your device’s security on its strongest setting.
  • Be wary of messages from celebrities asking for money or information.
  • Use updated antivirus software on your personal devices.

If you’ve been targeted

If you suspect you’ve been the victim of AI fraud, it is important to act quickly to mitigate the damage. First, contact Advantage One Credit Union at 734-676-7000 to let us know your information has been compromised. Similarly, reach out to your credit card companies to let them know about the fraud. Next, report the fraud to the FTC so they can take appropriate measures in catching the humans behind the bot-generated scam. 

Finally, you’ll also want to change your passwords and login credentials and consider a credit freeze. Finally, if your identity has been stolen, reach out to identitytheft.gov to learn your next steps.

AI fraud is a growing concern, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Follow the tips outlined here and stay safe.

TikTok Inspo: Can you scam us? Use the info in this blog to impersonate an AI fraudster in a 15-second video.

How Can I Tell if My Computer Has a Virus?

by Advantage One, posted in online security, security, Tips & Best Practices

Q: My computer has been acting strangely, and I’m worried it may be infected with malware. How can I tell if my computer has a virus?

A: Computer viruses can be a nightmare for anyone, whether they use them for work or personal use. If you think your computer may have a virus, it’s essential to know how to identify it and take necessary steps to protect your device and data. Let’s explore the common signs of computer viruses and ways to prevent them from infecting your computer.

Sluggish performance

If your computer is suddenly operating in slo-mo, it may be infected by a virus. Computer viruses typically utilize a computer’s processing power to perform malicious activities, such as sending spam emails or mining cryptocurrency. If you notice any significant changes in your computer’s performance, investigate further.

It’s important to note that another possible cause for sluggish performance is a nearly-full hard drive. If your computer’s slowed down significantly, check how much free space you have left on your hard drive. If your hard drive is almost full, delete any unnecessary files and programs to free up space. If your computer is still running slowly after freeing up space, it’s time to run a virus scan.

Pop-up ads

If your computer starts displaying pop-up ads while you’re browsing the internet or using other programs, it’s a sign that it may have a virus. Pop-up ads can be annoying and may lead to malware installation or other malicious activities.

If you’re seeing pop-up ads, avoid clicking on them and run a virus scan as soon as possible. You can also install an ad-blocker extension on your web browser to prevent pop-up ads from appearing in the future.

Strange, new programs

If you notice new programs on your computer, and you do not remember installing them, it’s possible that your computer has a virus. These programs may be malware designed to perform malicious activities, such as stealing your personal information or encrypting your files. 

Uninstall these programs immediately and run a virus scan.

Sudden crashes and freezes

If your computer is crashing or freezing frequently, it may indicate that it has a virus. Viruses can overload a computer’s resources or modify critical system files. This can lead to frequent crashes and freezes. 

It’s essential to run a virus scan if you’re experiencing frequent crashes and freezes. Additionally, make sure to keep your operating system and other software up-to-date to prevent vulnerabilities that can be exploited by viruses.

Strange network activity

A virus may be using your computer’s network resources to perform malicious activities, such as sending spam emails or performing DDoS attacks. If you notice unusual network activity, such as your internet connection slowing down or unusual data usage, it’s possible that your computer has a virus. Run a virus scan and check for any unusual programs or processes running in the background.

Changes to browser settings

A computer virus may modify your browser settings to redirect you to malicious websites or display more ads. If your web browser’s homepage or search engine has changed without your consent, it may be an indication of a virus. Reset your browser settings to their default settings and run a virus scan. 

Missing files

A virus can delete or modify your files to perform malicious activities, such as stealing your personal information or encrypting your files. If you notice that some of your files are missing or have been modified without your knowledge, it’s possible that your computer has a virus.

Run a virus scan and backup your important files to prevent data loss.

My computer has a virus. Now what?

If a scan detects a virus, the antivirus software on your computer should guide you through your next steps. You’ll likely need to delete all temporary files on your computer, delete infected files and programs, and then restore your computer to an earlier backup. You may also want to reinstall your device’s operating system, though this may result in the loss of important files. 

How can I protect my computer from a virus?

Protecting your computer from viruses is essential to avoiding the hassle and potential damage they can cause. Here are some tips to prevent viruses:

  • Install antivirus software and update it on a regular basis
  • Avoid downloading files from untrusted sources
  • Don’t click on suspicious links or pop-up ads
  • Keep your operating system and other software up-to-date
  • Use strong and unique passwords across all your online accounts
  • Use a VPN if you access public Wi-Fi
  • Backup your important files regularly to prevent data loss in case of a virus attack

If any of the signs of viruses listed above show up while using your computer, run your device through a virus scan. Follow the prevention tips to keep your computer safe. 

TikTok Inspo: Help! My computer has a virus – or does it? Shoot a 15-second video to show us how to check if your computer’s been infected.