TIP OF THE WEEK
Date: February 26, 2021 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sheriff Curtis Landers
541-265-0654
DATA PRIVACY
Unfortunately, every year thousands of Oregonians fall victim to online criminals who disguise themselves as legitimate entities.
Internet scams continue to evolve and can vary widely. The term generally refers to someone using internet services or software to defraud or take advantage of victims, typically for financial gain.
Cyber-criminals have become quite savvy in their attempts to lure people in and get you to click on a link or open an attachment. They may claim to be associated with a financial institution, an e-commerce site, a government agency or any other service or business. Links in email, social media posts and online advertising are often how cyber-criminals try to compromise your information. If it looks suspicious, DO NOT CLICK ON IT!
To protect yourself from this type of fraud, here are a few important tips:
- When dealing with uninvited contacts from people or businesses, whether it's over the phone, by mail, email, in person or on a social networking site, always consider the possibility that the approach may be a scam.
- Always use password protection, don’t share access with others (including remotely), update security software and back up content. Protect your WiFi network with a password and avoid using public computers or WiFi hotspots to access online banking or provide personal information.
- Don’t click on links, open attachments, reply to the message, attempt to unsubscribe, or call any telephone number listed in suspicious messages. Do NOT give out any money, credit card info, or other personal details.
Below, you can find the flyer on the recently launched “Do Not Click” Campaign from the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection Division:
https://www.doj.state.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/DOJ-Do_Not_Click-Flyer.pdf
If you have information about or have fallen victim to a scam, please contact the Oregon Attorney General's Consumer Hotline at 1-877-877-9392 or online at www.oregonconsumer.gov
For more information and tips, visit our website at: www.lincolncountysheriff.net or like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.