Spot Fraud from a Distance

As part of our commitment to your security, Infinite IT (8IT) is here to provide you with the latest insights on emerging scams. Keeping your information safe is our top priority at 8IT. We're always on the lookout for tricks and scams that might put you at risk, and we're here to share some important tips to help you stay safe. Here’s what you need to know about the latest scams:

1. Search Engine Ad Scams: Fraudsters exploit online search engine ads to lure unsuspecting individuals to malicious websites. These sites impersonate legitimate companies, often leading victims to unwittingly download harmful software or disclose sensitive login information.  In short: Bad people put fake ads on search engines that look legitimate to get you to click through to a website that looks legitimate.  Always double check to make sure the website you are on is the website you want to be on.

   Tip: Be cautious when entering web addresses. www-8IT.ca and www.8IT.ca may appear identical at a glance, but a closer examination reveals they are distinct website.
   
   

2. Impersonation Scams: Scammers often impersonate banks, government bodies, or other official institutions. They make up stories about account discrepancies, software errors, or parcel delivery issues to get personal details from you. These fraudsters also attempt to lure victims into clicking on harmful links or to extort money from them. Should you encounter an unsolicited communication via call, email, or message, it's crucial to remain alert. Hang up the call or avoid engaging with the message, and if in doubt, reach out directly to the entity supposedly in contact for verification.

   Tip: If your bank calls you and you are not comfortable giving out information, let them know you will call them back using the phone number on the back of your debit or credit card.  If they are scammers, they won't let you get off the phone and will insist to keep you on.  That is a major flag.  Just hang up the phone!

3. QR Code Scams: Scammers are getting super creative and are now using QR codes in phishing messages, public spaces, and advertising materials. The codes prompt you to scan them using mobile devices. Once scanned, the codes can lead to websites that either download malware or request sensitive details like usernames and passwords.

   Tip: never scan a QR code, especially one you do not know the source.  There is a high change that a QR code will lead you to a malicious site, which could lead you towards danger.
   

What You Can Do:

• Avoid Clicking Foreign Links: Do not click on links from unknown sources, especially those related to your bank. Instead, bookmark your bank's official website or directly access it through their mobile app.  If you get a text message from your bank, the government (or anyone at all) to click a link, DO NOT CLICK IT!
• Guard Your Personal Information: Never share personal details, passwords, or one-time verification codes with anyone.
• Stay Wary of Pop-Up Ads and QR Codes: Ignore pop-up ads and QR codes in emails, public spaces, or advertisements.
• Be Cautious with Unknown Calls: Don't answer phone calls from unfamiliar numbers.  If anyone calls you asking you to give their info, hang up and call the institution back at a number you know is safe.
• Look out for Suspicious Emails: Delete suspicious emails without clicking any embedded links.  Always double check who the sender is by double clicking on their name.

Remember, 8IT is committed to your safety. If you encounter anything suspicious, report it promptly.  We are here to help!

Stay Safe.  Stay secure!

The 8IT Cyber Security Team