Put the Freeze on Holiday Scams

You’re not the only one kicking things into high gear this time of year. “Naughty elves” are heating up their efforts to steal private financial data from unsuspecting shoppers by masquerading as trusted companies. The criminals behind these schemes are using tactics to trick consumers into gifting them bank account credentials, credit card details and other sensitive information.

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California’s New Consumer Privacy Act: Know Your Rights

The majority of Americans are growing more concerned about how companies and the government collect and use their personal information, according to a recent survey by Pew Research Center. Eight in 10 consumers believe that the potential risks of data collection overshadow any potential benefits.

This sentiment is not surprising, given the data breaches that have occurred over the last few years. To increase individuals’ privacy rights, legislators passed the California Consumer Privacy Act bill (CCPA) in 2018. The law became effective Jan. 1, although enforcement begins July 1, 2020. This will give companies adequate time to comply with CCPA requirements. It’s likely that other states will follow California’s lead with their own privacy laws in the near future. Continue reading

Don’t Fall for These Social Security Scams

As fraudsters become more sophisticated, they find more ways to separate consumers from their hard-earned cash. One of the ways they’re making inroads is via a caller ID “spoofing” scheme pretending to be a representative from the Social Security Administration. Other scams use email or snail mail. There are variations of all these tricks, but the goal is the same – to steal your money, identity or both.  Here are just a few to guard against.

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Secure Transactions: Choose the Right Way to Pay

Secure Transactions: Choose the Right Way to Pay 

There are plenty of options to manage your money that are convenient, some more secure than others. When transacting, which option do you choose?For instance, should you use a credit card when shopping online, or is a debit card OK? Should you use a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment app to pay rent or purchasing something? Is it safe to use your debit card with a PIN at the gas station?

If you don’t know the answers, here are some tips to help you stay safe.

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5 Security Strategies for College-bound Students

If you are a college-bound student or the parent of one, you know computers and mobile devices are must-have tools for academic and social activities. But do you know the best ways to stay safe surfing, shopping, banking and socializing online?

College dorm: Students moving in

Study these tips to keep your personal information personal and protect your stuff while you’re away from home.

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