Unfortunately, data breaches have become shockingly common worldwide due to the culture of always remaining connected with the virtual world. We leave data trails practically wherever we go in this era of digital technology, and this data can be highly valuable to cybercriminals.

However, if your data has been compromised in a breach, you can choose to take proactive steps to save your bottom line rather than becoming a victim of such malicious activities. FraudTrac is here to tell you all about containing the damage and keeping your credit score, finances, and identity safe from being misused by cybercriminals.

#1- Update Your Passwords

It’s recommended that you change your passwords regularly. However, if you suspect a data breach, immediately change the passwords of all your accounts. Avoid using the same password for all the accounts, and make sure the new passwords are unique, strong, and secure. The general rule for creating a ‘strong’ password is to keep it above 8 characters and mix it with numbers, letters, and symbols.

#2- Sign Up for 2FA

Signing up for two-factor verification or authentication wherever possible provides an added layer of security for all accounts. You’ll be required to enter an additional identification level–usually a code texted to your email or phone – to access your account.

This means that cybercriminals who might figure out the password to your email will still be unable to access the account without the code sent for the second factor of identification verification.

#3- Keep an Eye on Your Credit Reports and Accounts

Pay extra attention to your account activity, especially after a data breach. This includes the account at the platform that suffered the breach, along with all other financial accounts.

Check your credit card statements to beware of suspicious transactions. If you see any charges, you didn’t make, immediately file a report with the concerned bank.

You can also consider freezing your credit and roll out a fraud alert to make it difficult for criminals to open new accounts, take out loans, or do anything using your identity.

Fight Online Fraud with FraudTrac

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a scam or fraud because of a data breach or unsafe online practices, don’t hesitate to report online fraud and file a scam report with a reputable online scam tracker website like FraudTrac.

Our cybersecurity and online fraud tracker solutions are offered by reliable experts who are trained to offer services tailored to suit each client’s unique requirements.

By reporting malicious activities, you can help us in our mission of making the internet a safe space for all. Connect with us to learn more about reporting consumer fraud, pension scams, credit card frauds, auto dealer frauds, and more.

Don’t forget to sign up for our exclusive fraud, scams, and cyber-attack alerts to remain safe from cybercriminals trying to disrupt your peace or steal your hard-earned dollars with different types of scams.

One in ten nine in the US annually falls prey to fraudsters and scammers. Over the years, the internet is evolved to make life easier with online banking, shopping, or just interacting with loved ones around the globe in a few clicks. But this technological progression has also given way to many online threats, with cybercriminals using innovative ways to dupe innocent targets.While it’s becoming harder to identify fake websites from legit ones, you can use some tactics to figure out the authentication. Experts at FraudTrac are here to help you identify whether a business is legit or trying to scam you. Let’s dive in!

#1- Always Check the TLS and SSL Certificate Details

HTTPS is the medium that assures the communication between a website’s server and the user is encrypted and secure. However, the TLS or SSL certificate authority doesn’t necessarily assure that the server you’re communicating with won’t misuse or steal your data.Sometimes malicious servers with HTTPS do exactly what a malicious site does, i.e., harming victims. You can avoid such scenarios by checking the details of these certificates on the websites before trusting them with your sensitive information.

#2- Browse the Contact and About Us Pages

Most cybercriminals are located outside the US and don’t have a good grip on grammar. Check whether the content posted on the website is of high value and verify their contact details by calling them or sending an email. The email address of most legit businesses is generic or at least includes the proper company name.The About Us page of a website is also excellent for understanding the brand better. Any reliable company would love screaming from the rooftops about its heritage and the journey that led it to where it is now.Even if the company is relatively new, they still have loads of information they share with prospects to gain their trust. The absence of believable information is thus a massive red flag, so you should probably avoid that website.

#3- Check Presence and Reviews on Social Media Platforms

Genuine businesses operating in the contemporary world maintain a certain social media presence to capture the online audience. If you come across a website that might have social media icons but isn’t linked to the pages is a red flag.

Check how they interact in online spaces and try searching for reviews to check what others have to say about their experience with the particular firm. However, beware of businesses with fake reviews.Brushing scams, fake reviews, and paid reviews are incredibly common and should be reported online to help others remain protected from deceitful businesses. If you come across a business that’s involved in such activities, report the business review scam online right away!

#4- Make Use of Authentic Registered Lists That Include Verified and Certified Businesses

At FraudTrac, we encourage people to report online fraud and file scam reports as soon as they figure out that a website isn’t legit. Reporting malicious activities can help ensure the internet browsing experience remains safe for all.

However, you can also use tools that promote safe browsing or search business profiles at our online scam tracker website to verify whether the website is a scam, has malware, or is safe to use.

Connect with us to learn more about reporting consumer fraud, pension scams, credit card frauds, auto dealer frauds, and more.

Millions of people now rely on the internet for many aspects of their lives, including professional, personal, and leisure. Online platforms have also become an effective and popular tool for finding love. Many people use the internet to connect with people they can date and develop long-term relationships with.

However, with cybercriminals being the master of disguise, it’s difficult to spot internet con artists catfishing innocent people trying their luck on online dating platforms. Understanding what catfishing and online scams are and how you can spot romance scammers can help you stay safe on your journey of finding true love online.

What are Catfishing Romance Scams?

Online dating scams, catfishing, and romance scams are all names of the same cybercrime that involve online scammers tricking people into thinking they are in a healthy romantic relationship. Malicious criminals gain the victim’s trust and then blackmail or emotionally manipulate them into sending personal information or money. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), more than $305 million was lost to romance scams in 2020.

The Difference: Romance scams generally target innocent people by using fake identities with another person’s photos, data, and other information to manipulate the targets or steal from them. However, when the motive is personal wish fulfillment, revenge, or entertainment, it’s usually considered catfishing. This means catfishers are cybercriminals who often don’t have a monetary motive like other romance scammers.

Common Online Romance Scam Tactics To Keep an Eye On

Long-Distance Relationships

Many romance scammers pretend they live in a different country as an excuse for not meeting in person. They could make you believe they’re working with an international organization as a healthcare practitioner, deployed overseas in the military, or working on a drill rig offshore.

Try looking out for inconsistencies in their stories, and don’t trust them with your personal information or hard-earned money until you meet them and are satisfied with their background.

Too Good to Be True

If you think the relationship has become serious too fast or your hobbies and interests are identical to yours, perhaps check out the information you’re sharing with others on your social media profile.

Cybercriminals often stalk individually targeted people to create special profiles tailored to the target’s interests to attract them. Be wary of online lovers who profess their feelings too quickly.

It’s always a good idea to reverse-search their social media profiles to check if the images are real because a quick Google search can sometimes give a clear impression of whether a person is real or another catfish.

Asking for Favors or Money

Strangers asking for favors or money is always a red flag. If you don’t know this person or haven’t met them yet and they ask you to send some money, be cautious.

Many romance scammers create elaborate stories about medical expenses, travel expenses, or family emergencies to persuade their targets. They ask them to send money quickly and anonymously through preloaded gift cards, wire transfers, or newly opened bank accounts.

You can also be asked to send funds to a scamming NGO they’re helping once they gain your trust. There have been reports of romance scammers using the tactic to use targets for money laundering as well.

Never send money to strangers, especially without consulting your trusted family members or friends. But if you’re a victim of a sweetheart scam or know someone who was catfished, play your part and file a scam report online through FraudTrac.

As a trusted online scam tracker website, we encourage people to report online fraud and file scam reports to help others be alert about cybercriminals or fraudulent businesses. You can report consumer fraud, pension scams, credit card fraud, malicious activities, and other types of fraud and cyber scams by connecting with us.

Learn more about our offerings here.