(Press Release)
Anyone can be a target, even if you think you can spot a scam from miles away. But knowing the signs of a potential cyberattack can prevent you from becoming a victim. This love month, be informed and keep your data, money, and heart safe from cybercriminals.
Online love month deals that are too tempting
Don’t be so quick to click on links in emails promoting huge discounts on a romantic getaway or deals on Valentine’s gifts at very low prices. More often than not, they’re phishing emails.
Sometimes, these emails will tell you there’s a problem with your flower delivery or your payment couldn’t be processed because of a credit card problem. Once an unsuspecting user clicks the link and enters their credit card details into the spoofed website, cybercriminals can use the credit card information for personal gain.
Legit love month ads with malicious codes
Other times, cyberattacks can happen through eye-catching online ads containing malware. A malware is a malicious code injected into legit online advertising networks, redirecting users to a malicious website or delivering a virus that infects their computer or mobile device.
So before you get lured into a cybercriminal’s trap and click that ad with a 50% discount on flowers just by using the promo code “FLOWERS”, make sure you have antivirus software and an ad blocker installed. Moreover, keep your software and web browsers up to date, including their extensions.
An unexpected and romantic e-greeting card
E-greeting cards may not be as popular now as they were back in the ‘90s. But they’re still popular during special occasions, especially this love month. So getting an e-greeting card from a secret admirer, an old high school crush, or even an ex you haven’t spoken to in years can make your heart flutter and pique your curiosity.
But e-greeting cards can be faked. Worse, they can contain malware that can infect your device once you open it. Once malware affects your computer, your personal information can easily be stolen and make you a victim of a cyberattack.
A romance with too many red flags
Romance scams are prevalent because it’s easy to connect with people anywhere in the world. Because of this, romance scammers can establish romantic relationships quickly and scam their victims.
They use fake, tailormade, and wholesome social media profiles to catch their victims’ attention and gain their trust. They lure them away from the dating platform so they can still communicate even if their dating profile is reported, suspended, or banned.
There’s not much to see on their social media accounts. Their number of friends, connections, or followers is also suspiciously low. When you Google them, you can’t find any information about them.
Everything moves fast because they want to build an emotional connection as soon as possible. They’re all about making big plans, like moving in together or getting married.
But they always find reasons not to meet face-to-face. And sooner or later, they’ll ask for money. They’ll steal personal information without ringing alarm bells and then use it to access their victim’s credit cards or digital bank accounts and e-wallets. The more information shared, the better they can guess the victim’s passwords or answers to security questions.
How to stay safe from cyberattacks this love month
There are things you can do to prevent becoming a target, like being careful with what you share online. Consider what it might reveal about you and your life and how cybercriminals can use it to scam you or others. As much as possible, keep your online profile private.
Never click on links from unfamiliar or suspicious emails. More importantly, never give out your personal or financial information via email, chat, or call.
If you’re going to buy something online, check that you’re on the shop’s legitimate website. Also, don’t be fooled by offers that are too good to be true. Verify and check when in doubt.
Make sure you #DontGetFooled!
Cybercriminals will do anything to steal your money. They’ll use lookalike domains, so you’ll unwittingly enter your credit card or mobile banking details. Worse, they’ll make you fall in love and believe in the promise of forever, only to run away with your money!
But don’t get fooled. When it comes to cybersecurity, heart over mind just isn’t the way to go. So observe all cybersecurity precautions by knowing your bank’s security measures and activating them to protect your account.
RCBC Digital’s enhanced security features provide an additional layer of protection for its customers. Through its device registration and biometrics login features, you’re assured that only you can only access your bank account only when using your own registered devices. The bank also allows clients to lock and unlock their accounts conveniently, anytime using the app.
Your security and peace of mind are important. RCBC will never ask for your OTP, user ID, and password. It will not send clickable links via SMS, chat apps, or email. You can always call RCBC Customer Care to check and verify if you’re in doubt.
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