Protect Yourself From Email Fraud

Published on November 29, 2021   Tips Cyber Protection Fraud

It's hard to imagine going through an entire day without using email or being online. Doing business online is now the standard, and – for most of us – the internet is part of our daily personal lives.

When you add the fact that working remotely is now becoming far more common, it’s important for individuals and businesses alike to be aware of the ways cyber criminals are taking advantage of the situation.  

Internet fraudsters often use email or websites to impersonate well-known businesses or familiar people online. Their goal is to convincingly manipulate their targets (such as leading them to reveal passwords or financial information) in a practice known as email fraud or phishing. They may use upsetting or sensational information to demand an urgent response.

A legitimate source will never ask you to provide sensitive information through email. If you receive a suspicious email, do not respond or click any links it may contain. Instead:

• If you’re using a work email address, alert your manager or IT person immediately.
• If you’ve been targeted through your personal account, mark it as Spam. If the fraudulent message is insurance-related, you may submit a confidential tip online through IBC.ca or call 1-877-IBC-TIPS (1-877-422-8477). Both services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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As the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic continues, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre wants to remind Canadians to remain vigilant and be on the lookout for ongoing frauds. Fraudsters are creative and want to profit from consumers' fears, uncertainties and misinformation.

Protect yourself, beware of:

• Questionable third-party companies offer to help you fill out applications, such as CERB 
• Criminals using your identity to sign-up for CERB and receive payments
• Spoofed government, healthcare or research information
• Unsolicited calls, emails and texts requesting urgent action or payment and/or offering medical advice, financial relief, or government assistance and compensation
  • If you didn't initiate contact, you don't know who you're communicating to
  • Never respond or click on suspicious links and attachments
  • Never give out your personal or financial details
• Unauthorized or fraudulent charities requesting money for victims, products or research
  • Don't be pressured into making a donation
  • Verify that a charity is registered
• High-priced or low-quality products purchased in bulk by consumers and resold for profit
  • These items may be expired and/or dangerous to your health
• Questionable offers, such as:
  • miracle cures
  • herbal remedies
  • vaccinations
  • faster testing
• Fake and deceptive online ads, including:
  • cleaning products
  • hand sanitizers
  • other items in high demand

Credits:

Wawanesa https://www.wawanesa.com/canada/blog https://www.wawanesa.com/canada/blog...
Government of Canada https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/ https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifr...