Tag Archives: online safety

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Digital Deception: How to Identify and Avoid Online Banking Scams

Staying Safe Online

In the digital age, banking has never been more convenient. But with this convenience comes a new wave of cyber threats that can catch even the savviest of us off guard. Online banking scams are on the rise, and it’s crucial to stay one step ahead. Let’s dive into the murky waters of digital deception and learn how to keep your finances secure.

The Latest Online Banking Scams 

Scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick us. Here are some of the latest and most common tactics we’ve seen:

  1. Investment Scams: These scams top the list with reported losses in the billions, where fraudsters lure victims with promises of high returns on investments.
  2. Impersonation Scams: Scammers impersonate business or government officials to steal money or personal information, often using intimidation tactics.
  3. Payment Method Scams: Fraudsters prefer bank transfers and cryptocurrency for scam payments, leading to significant losses for victims. They will even use peer-to-peer payment apps like Zelle.
  4. Social Media Scams: A large portion of scams originate on social media platforms, with scammers using fake profiles or ads to deceive users. In fact, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) 2022 Online Scams Report found that many people commonly found themselves the victims of a scam after trying to buy a puppy online. This was due to scammers purchasing ads for their fake e-commerce websites for social media. Around 44% of social media scams from January to June of 2023 were connected to online shopping.
  5. AI-Powered Scams: Artificial intelligence is being used to create convincing phishing messages and deepfakes, making scams more believable.
  6. Student Loan Forgiveness Scams: Scammers exploit the confusion around student loan forgiveness programs to trick victims into paying fake fees or sharing personal information.
  7. Phone Scams: Including robocalls and impersonators, phone scams use smartphones’ capabilities to install malware or extract personal data.
  8. Job Scams: Offering fake employment opportunities, scammers may ask for personal information or payment to “secure” a job.
  9. Money-Making Opportunity Scams: Victims are enticed with the prospect of easy money, only to find themselves defrauded.
  10. Prize and Grant Scams: Scammers promise fake prizes or grants, requesting payment or personal details to claim the supposed reward.

Recognizing the Red Flags 

So, how can you spot these scams? Here are some telltale signs:

  • Urgency: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act quickly.
  • Unsolicited contact: Be wary of unexpected calls, emails, or texts asking for personal information.
  • Suspicious links: Hover over links to see where they really lead before clicking.
  • Requests for sensitive information: Your bank will never ask for your password or PIN via email or text.

Avoiding the Traps 

Here are some practical steps to protect yourself:

  • Secure your devices: Use reputable antivirus software and keep it updated.
  • Be skeptical: If something feels off, trust your instincts and verify through official channels.
  • Strong passwords: Create complex passwords and change them regularly.
  • Monitor your accounts: Regularly check your bank statements for any unauthorized transactions.

We’re Your Shield Against Scams 

At Peoples Bank and Trust, we’re committed to your financial safety. Our security measures and vigilant fraud monitoring are like a digital fortress around your finances. We’re here to educate and empower you, so you can bank online with confidence. Remember, if you ever have doubts about the legitimacy of a communication, reach out to us directly. Your peace of mind is our top priority.

Stay informed, stay skeptical, and stay safe. With the right knowledge and tools, you can protect yourself from the digital deceivers looking to disrupt your financial harmony.

computer

Online Safety Tips for Remote Workers

Whether you’ve been working from home for a while or just recently started, getting a refresher on staying safe online is always a good idea. Working remotely comes with being at risk for a cyber-attack, which can be dangerous for your private work data. Read these online security tips to ensure you’re doing what you can to keep cybercriminals away. 

Keep Your Work Covered 

It’s always nice to change up the scenery and visit a park or coffee shop to get some work done. Working in public does come with its concerns, so make sure you’re playing it safe. Don’t let those around you peek at your screen or see what work you’re doing. You never know what strangers are up to and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Cybercriminals can be anywhere! 

Always Use Strong Passwords 

Not only should your accounts be protected with a strong password, but your devices should be, too. Make sure your laptop, phone and other devices are locked with a secure password. Remember not to use the same password across multiple accounts – if one password is compromised, then all of your accounts could be taken over. A great tool for this is a password manager, which will create and remember strong and secure passwords for you. 

Set Up Two-Factor Authentication 

Along with having a strong password comes the importance of two-factor authentication. This will add an additional step to your login process to make sure your account is protected and not being hacked. Some common ways this works is through an email/text confirmation or fingerprint scan. Two-factor authentication ensures that, even if your password is compromised, you still have a backup plan in action. 

Beware of Public Wi-Fi 

Using public Wi-Fi is the prime way that cybercriminals are able to access your data. They’re using the same network as you, making it much easier for them to hack your device or accounts. If you’re doing work in a public place, use a personal hotspot or a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic, which would make it unreadable to others. 

We hope these tips were good reminders for those of you who work remotely. Cybersecurity is becoming more and more important as technology advances, so be sure to share this information with coworkers, family, friends and others you know who are working from home! 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

computer

Online Safety: Family Edition

Today, having both Internet access and safety seems nearly impossible. While technology can be enriching and educational, it has its downsides. How can you protect your family from the dangers of the Internet while also allowing them access? Keep reading for some of our online safety tips for families. 

Be Careful What Information You’re Sharing 

Many hackers and identity thieves feed off oversharing. Be careful which websites you’re entering personal information into – don’t trust just any website. Oversharing is also dangerous on social networks, so be sure to make your kids aware of the information that shouldn’t ever be shared, like driver’s licenses, usernames or passwords, addresses, social security numbers, etc. 

Be Careful Using Public Wi-Fi 

Connecting to a public Wi-Fi network can seem harmless and convenient, but that’s not always true. Using public Wi-Fi in places like restaurants and malls is an easy way for hackers and cybercriminals to hack your information. Remember to use a VPN when you connect to a public Wi-Fi network. 

Keep an Eye on Your Social Media Networks 

Random messages from unknown users have become more common as social media becomes more popular. Although it seems obvious to ignore spam messages, delete them and move on, kids might not know to do that. Teach your kids to never respond to an unknown person’s message online, and emphasize how dangerous it is to respond to strangers. The smartest move is to get your kids into the habit of coming to you when they receive a strange message so you can double check the user’s profile. 

Educate Your Children 

Most of the time, the reason kids fall into the trap of hackers is because they’re uneducated. Give your kids a mini lesson about what cybersecurity is, why it’s so important and how they can protect themselves. Remind them that if anything seems unusual, they should talk to you so you can make sure the situation is safe. 

Manage Your Passwords 

Most Internet users have the same couple of passwords for all their accounts, making the hacking process even easier. There are safe password management systems allowing you to use a different password for all of your accounts, while only having to remember one password for the system.  

Backup Your Data 

Cybercriminals that hack into your computer can lock you out of your own important files and information. Keep your files backed up regularly so in that situation, you know your files aren’t lost. 

Although there are many ways your cybersecurity can be compromised, there are multiple ways to protect yourself and your family. We hope you protect your information with these top tips! 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

couple-on-computer

Online Safety Tips for Retirees

Online safety is a much bigger problem than most people realize. It’s estimated that seniors lose a total of about $30 billion every year because of online scams. We want to prevent that from happening, and we bet you do, too. We’ve put together some of the easiest ways for seniors to be safe online.

Be careful when making online purchases. Hackers and scammers can make their websites look pretty realistic and trustworthy on the outside. Here are some ways to know when not to enter your personal information.

  • Look for reviews if buying a product.
  • Make sure the website is secure.
  • If possible, only shop on websites you or others have used in the past.

Keep tabs on all of your accounts. Be sure not to let your accounts, on social media or elsewhere, go left unvisited for too long. The following points will help you know how to keep your personal accounts protected.

  • Use strong and secure passwords, as well as different passwords for each account.
  • Give a trusted family member or friend access to your accounts in case of emergency.

Think about what you’re posting. Just because your account is private doesn’t mean everything you post in there is safe from the world’s eyes. There are still ways for hackers to access your account or for others to copy and share your posts.

  • Don’t post pictures or information you wouldn’t want the public to know about.
  • If you need to share important but private information, consider doing so in person or over a phone call if possible.

Don’t trust all emails and messages. Although many email providers have an automatic spam filter, some make it to your inbox. When it comes to social media, messages from strangers can be dangerous.

  • Ignore the “You’re a winner!” or “Free prize!” messages.
  • Verify with friends before sending any money in case their account was hacked.
  • Don’t trust direct messages unless you can verify who the person is and why they’d be reaching out to you.

Be careful what you choose to download. Hackers will often create free downloadable documents that are actually viruses. Here are some steps to make sure your device doesn’t get hacked.

  • Know and trust your source before downloading anything.
  • Have a protective security software installed on your device.
  • Verify with a professional that it’s a trusted source.

Technology is a wonderful thing, but it definitely comes with dangers. Be sure to follow these practical online safety tips and continue protecting your personal information!

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

phone

7 Personal Cybersecurity Tips

As time goes on and technology expands, people are becoming more and more prone to cybercriminal attacks. By following some basic tips, you could avoid a multitude of problems in the future!

1. Use Strong and Varying Passwords

This is probably the most obvious and common cybersecurity tip known to web users. Don’t underestimate the importance of your password strength! Change your password every once in a while to be safe (recommended at least once a year). Also, don’t use the same password for more than one account.

2. Be Careful With Your Personal Info

Personal information, like your address, birthday or phone number, should be posted carefully. The smartest option would just be to keep as much of that information off of your social media as possible. These personal details are used by cybercriminals to locate individuals. Better safe than sorry!

3. Recognize and Stay Away From Phishing 

Phishing is when someone poses as someone they aren’t to trick people into giving them information, clicking on a dangerous link, etc. This is the most common way ransomware attacks originate. Be suspicious about the emails and messages you receive and don’t open messages from people you don’t know.

4. Utilize Two-Factor Identification

Many social media sites have two-factor identification options and most users don’t take advantage of this helpful security option. Two-factor identification prompts you to not only enter your username and password, but also another personal identification code.

5. Update Your Software

Keeping your device’s software updated might not seem like a safety-related tip, but both businesses and consumers have suffered from hackers due to not updating. Try turning on the automatic updates offered on your device.

6. Say No to Public Wi-Fi

Using public Wi-Fi if it’s available seems like a no-brainer. What most people don’t realize is how much easier it is for cybercriminals to access your accounts and devices when you’re connected to a public Wi-Fi network. Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect your device while using public W-Fi.

7. Install Trusted Apps Only

Not all applications are safe, and not all of them can be trusted. Check reviews and ratings before installing anything you’re unfamiliar with!

Don’t let yourself fall into the statistics of those dealing with cybercriminals! Protect your devices, accounts and personal information by following these tips and always being cautious online.

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

phone

Cybersecurity Check: How Secure Are Your Actions?

It’s 2020 and more than time to be certain your cybersecurity practices are up to date. Cybercriminals become more advanced and attuned to the different ways to penetrate vulnerabilities of those who aren’t up to date on security. These are the top actions you need to take. Can you say yes to any of these?

Are you cautious with the applications on your phone?

Sometimes, there’s a false sense of security when it comes to phone applications. Apps are used for about everything these days and too often users think they are safer than they are. You may have noticed that pop ups can still occur on these applications and can pose a security risk to you and the information held on your device. You may even click on the ad accidently while it takes you to a suspicious website. 

Is your software up to date?

Yes, we realize that having to update your phone or computer can be a nuisance. It can be frustrating at times because it may change the layout of certain features on your phone. Yet, we would still recommend updating due to the protection it provides. It will help to patch vulnerabilities and fortify your wall of protection. 

Are you aware of phishing scams?

How attuned are you to phishing scams? Phishing is when the cybercriminal acts like someone else in order to trick the victims. Be sure to: never open an email from someone you don’t know, click on unfamiliar links and always be suspicious when it comes to emails – even from friends that may send harmful links unknowingly. 

Are your passwords updated periodically?

It’s frustrating to have to remember many different passwords and to constantly be updating them. But it is still less of a headache than it would be if you had your identity stolen or your data held for ransom. Never use the same password twice and update each password at least once a year. 

Is your PII Personal?

PII stands for personal identification information. This includes your address, birthdate, birthplace and middle name. These are often listed on many people’s social media pages. Sometimes all it takes to have your identity stolen is your full name and birthdate. Be sure to remove this from your pages and to keep it private. 

For more tips on how to stay ahead of the cybersecurity curve, contact us today!

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

online-safety

Online Safety Tips for Kids

Technology is everywhere and used on a daily basis nowadays, so how do we protect our children when online? Now more than ever is the most important time to sit down with your kiddos and really explain the importance of being safe while online. That’s why Peoples Bank & Trust wanted to offer some main points to touch on with your kids when discussing online safety. 

Family Rules:

  1. I won’t tell my address, name, phone number or other special information to anyone online or post it online.
  2. I will tell mom or dad right away if something does not seem right when I’m on the computer or my phone.
  3. I’ll never meet anyone I speak to online, unless my parents say it’s okay and come with me.
  4. I’ll talk to my parents about posting certain things online if I’m unsure, such as pictures.
  5. I won’t give anyone my passwords, even my best friends.
  6. I won’t download any games until checking with mom or dad.
  7. I will not say mean things to anyone online and tell my parents if I do see something like that, or if it happens to me.
  8. I will have mom or dad help install privacy settings on any online platforms I’m using.

Tips for Mom and Dad:

  • Have your child on their phone or computer in open areas, like a living room or kitchen. Don’t allow them to be alone and on technology if they are young.
  • If you’re comfortable with it, you can limit what your child does or keep an eye on their actions with certain tools and settings. One tool to use is YouTube Parental Controls. Click here to learn more about this.
  • Educate yourself on social media, so you know what your child is getting exposed to.
  • Continuously talk to your young children about being safe and make sure they understand and keep the promises above.
  • For your older children, give them more space and freedom with their technology. However, continue to have open conversations about what is new in the online world and if they are experiencing any issues such as cyberbullying or came across something that made them uncomfortable.
  • If your child has an older sibling and feels more comfortable talking to them, encourage them to have discussions about what they’ve seen online so they can talk about ways to stay safe, as well as what’s right and wrong.

We hope these tips allow you to keep your children safe while online. Technology is an important part of society now, but it’s always vital to keep discussions open and honest about the online world, so there is a good flow of trust and communication within your family.

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

cybersecurity

Cybersecurity for Beginners

Let’s get back to the basics! Cybersecurity is important for everyone, no matter if you use the internet every hour or every week. If you’ve never considered the best security tactics for the cyber world, hold on tight and pay close attention as we run through the biggest pillars of cybersecurity.

What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the act or process of protecting devices, networks and programs from theft or damage. Everyone has something to lose, whether it be their identity, money or hardware. Cybercrime can happen to anyone and it’s important to be aware and prepared.

Start With the Physical

Just because we are talking about cyberspace, doesn’t mean this doesn’t include protecting your physical space. Keep all of your devices secured with password protection, so that in the case your device is taken, they will not be able to crack into your sensitive documents. This also goes for being cautious on what flash drives or hard drives you plug into your computer. Unknown ones may be infected with malware seeking to steal your information. This also means your devices should never be left without your supervision.

Create a Tight Password

The first line of defense against a cyber criminal is your password. It’s tempting for many to choose something that is short and easy to remember. However, your password should be complicated enough to keep a hacker out. It’s suggested to use a sentence for a password. For example, instead of choosing your pet’s name as a password, create a sentence about your animal. It could be something like, ”Mydogspotlikestonap.” Get creative!

Avoid Public Wi-Fi

While we believe it’s fantastic to make use of our public libraries and coffee shops, using public Wi-Fi can put you at risk. However, there are two types of public Wi-Fi. One is safer than the other. Unsecured networks often don’t require a password or any login information. A secured network will require that you create an account in order to access the service. This is a safer option. However, if you still want to use an unsecured network, you should be sure to not access any personal information, as the line can be easily hacked.

Be Social Conscious

Social media is a great tool to stay connected with friends and family. However, be sure that you are not posting sensitive information about your identity such as your birth date and current location. It’s also important to keep your settings private so only your close friends have access to the account.

Welcome Updates

Updates may seem tedious, but they keep your device secure by patching any areas that are prone to hacking. Having a software will tell you when you need certain updates and your computer will ask you to restart when it has updates as well.

Be Suspicious

Whether it’s an unsolicited advertisement or an email from an unknown source, always be suspicious of anyone asking for your personal information or money online. It’s often a best course of action to not interact with any unknown sources.

Stay safe and secure by utilizing these cybersecurity tips! You can also open an Online and Mobile Banking account with us – so you can securely check your finances.

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

NMLS# 407727

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Online Safety Tips for Older Adults: Myths & Facts You Must Know

Anyone can fall prey to a scam or a cyberattack online. Many older adults have adapted well to the digital world, but they can still fall victim to cybercrime. Today, we will take on common conceptions and misconceptions about online safety. Jump on board as we confront the biggest issues threatening safety online.

Sharing personal information online is never safe.

MYTH

While we should always be suspicious of potential scams, there are times when it is appropriate to share personal information online. For example, a person may need to enter personal information on their banking site in order to login to mobile banking. Typically, once a mobile account is established, they will only need their login information moving forward.

Getting spam in your email is dangerous.

MYTH

It’s not receiving the junk mail or spam that is dangerous, it’s interacting or clicking on the hazardous emails. Junk emails can come from legitimate sources like from a company you have bought a product from online. They may have put you on a mailing list, but there is usually a link at the bottom of their email to “unsubscribe.” Unfortunately, if it is a true spam email, this won’t be an option and you will want to make sure to not interact with the post. You should be sure your email account has the spam filter to ward off potential attacks. It may sound like it’s coming from a legitimate person, but it is best to make a rule to not respond to unsolicited emails.

Don’t send money.

TRUE

Never send money online to someone you don’t know and that isn’t first solicited by you. Suspicion should always be held when anyone is asking for money from you, regardless of their explanatory need for it. This can often happen in the form of a scam from online dating, threatening you in some way or begging for money for a family emergency. If you don’t know what to do, ask a trusted source if you find yourself tempted to send money. However, it is best to never give into requests for money.

Passwords are a first line of defense for cybersecurity.

TRUE

Passwords are a powerful form of protection. A strong password will be a mix of characters and numbers. Too often, many older adults do not password protect their physical devices. This puts them at great risk of not only having their device stolen, but also puts the personal information on their device in the hands of a criminal. Simply be sure to have a password on everything possible that you can and change the password twice a year.

We hope these tips can help you and your loved ones stay safe online. Stay safe and secure with our Online & Mobile Banking services!

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

cybersecurity

Closing the Door on Cybercrime: What Business Owners Should Know

If you’re a small business owner, you’re likely a dreamer and a doer. The dreamer side of you hopes that your business will never be infiltrated and the doer side of you is reading this blog, ready to take an active defense on cybercrime. You will need both of these great qualities in order to seal your doors from those who want to take from your business and keep them wide open for customers. Here’s how:

Train Employees

While you may know your employees well or at least trust them to do their due diligence in security, mistakes can happen if employees aren’t properly trained in cybersecurity. This should be a part of their onboarding process on day one, as well as implementing required training throughout the course of their employment. They should understand how to use all of the company security procedures in addition to understanding the crucial importance of those procedures. Some of which may be:

  • Allowable Internet Usage
  • Remote Access Security Measures
  • Restricted Use Of Removable Media (USB or CDs)

Backup All Data

Imagine if you went to log into your business systems tomorrow and all of your data was either wiped or being held for ransom by a cybercriminal. We hope that you would not have to panic because you routinely back up your data. It can cost hundreds of dollars a minute to have your systems down. You can either backup data on the cloud or on a physical device capable of handling the information. For some businesses, it’s not only their own data at risk, but those of clients. Keep your reputation and client trust strong.

It’s Time for Another Password

We know, we know. It seems about everything needs a unique password these days and it can be difficult to keep up. However, it is this way because it works. Be sure that all your staff changes their passwords at least every three months.

Don’t Forget to Update

Just as it is important to backup data, it is just as important to continually update your systems. If there are gaps in updates, it leaves room for cybercriminals to enter. This is called “patching” in the tech world. Keep your software like a tight, impregnable wall by ensuring all of the necessary updates are made whenever possible. This can be done by automating updates, so you don’t let it slip by!

Keep your business safe by utilizing our safe and secure banking products. We’re happy to help you find safe ways to grow your funds.

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender