How to Protect Your Family from Online Scams

We all know that the internet is a wonderful place full of amazing resources, entertainment, and opportunities to stay connected with loved ones. However, like any great thing, it has its downsides. 

Online scams and malicious content can pose real risks to our families. But don’t worry! With a little knowledge and some proactive steps, you can keep your family safe from these digital dangers.

1. Recognize Phishing Scams

Let’s talk about phishing scams. These pesky threats often show up as emails or messages that look like they’re from legitimate sources, but their real goal is to steal your personal information. The Anti-Phishing Working Group found that phishing attacks hit a record high in 2022, with over 1 million unique phishing sites out there.

‍Common Signs of Phishing Scams:

• Misspelled URLs or email addresses: If something looks a bit off, trust your gut.
• Unsolicited emails asking for personal information: Legit companies usually don’t ask for sensitive info via email.
• Messages with urgent or threatening language: Scammers often try to create a sense of panic to get you to act quickly without thinking.

To avoid getting scammed through phishing, always double-check the sender’s information before clicking on any links or sharing personal details. It’s also a good idea to use anti-phishing software and enable two-factor authentication on your accounts. 

Google data shows that receiving a secondary SMS code blocks 100% of automated attacks, 96% of bulk phishing attacks, and 76% of direct, targeted attacks. Using on-device prompts for 2FA brings those numbers up to 100%, 99%, and 90% respectively.

2. Secure Your Devices

Keeping your devices secure is super important to prevent unauthorized access and malware infections. Did you know that a cyberattack happens every 39 seconds on average? That’s a lot!

To avoid cyberattacks, follow these tips:

• Install antivirus and anti-malware software: These are your first lines of defense.
• Keep your operating system and apps up-to-date: Updates often include important security patches.
• Use strong, unique passwords for each account: This makes it harder for hackers to get in.

Make it a habit to regularly update your software and run security scans. A password manager can also be a big help in keeping your passwords safe and unique.

3. Educate Your Family

Teaching your family about online scams is a great way to keep everyone safe. Surprisingly, while many internet users feel they can spot phishing attacks, a whopping 97% of people can’t identify more sophisticated phishing emails. 

So, it’s crucial to have these conversations regularly:

• Common scams and their warning signs: Explain different scams like phishing, fake offers, and tech support scams. Point out the red flags, such as poor grammar, urgent requests, and unknown senders.
• Not sharing personal information online: Teach everyone to be cautious about what they share online. Personal details like addresses, phone numbers, and financial info should be kept private.
• Skepticism about unsolicited messages and offers: Encourage a healthy dose of skepticism. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Make it a habit to discuss internet safety with your family. Keep up with the latest scams using resources like the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) scam alerts. Staying informed is a powerful tool in preventing scams.

4. Monitor Online Activity

Keeping an eye on what your family does online can help you catch potential scams and unsafe behavior early. According to Norton, 58% of adults are more worried than ever about being a victim of cybercrime, and that 83% of consumers want to do more to protect their privacy, but 47% don't know how.

Monitoring can give you peace of mind and protect your loved ones. To do this:

• Use parental controls to restrict access to certain websites: These tools can block inappropriate content and limit screen time, ensuring a safer online experience for kids.
• Monitor your children’s social media accounts: Keep an eye on who they’re interacting with and what they’re sharing. This helps you spot any unusual activity.
• Review your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions: Regularly checking your financial statements can help you catch any fraudulent activity quickly.

Consider using family safety software to set up alerts for suspicious activities and set boundaries for internet usage. Kids who know their online activities are being monitored are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. This proactive approach can significantly enhance your family’s online safety.

5. Protect Personal Information

Scammers often target personal information to commit identity theft or financial fraud. The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) reported a record number of data breaches in 2023, with 3,205 incidents—a 78% increase from 2022 and 72% higher than the previous record set in 2021.

To protect your and your family’s personal information online, do the following:

• Shred documents with personal information before disposing of them: Old bills, bank statements, and other documents with sensitive information should be shredded to prevent dumpster divers from accessing your data.
• Be cautious about sharing personal information on social media: Oversharing can give scammers the details they need. Avoid posting things like your address, phone number, or even your birthdate.
• Use privacy settings to control who can see your information online: Most social media platforms allow you to adjust who sees your posts and personal details. Use these settings to keep your info limited to trusted friends and family.

Regularly review your privacy settings on social media platforms and limit the amount of personal information you share online. Taking these steps can help you regain some of that control.

6. Be Wary of Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers

Many scams dangle the promise of easy money, free prizes, or incredible deals to lure you in. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker received over 23,000 reports related to phishing scams since early 2021, with reports totaling over 9,000 in 2023, more than double the previous year and a record high.

Here are the warning signs you should be aware of:

• Avoid clicking on pop-up ads or links in unsolicited emails: These can lead to malicious sites designed to steal your information.
• Research any offers or companies before making a purchase: A quick search can often reveal if an offer is legitimate or if others have been scammed.
• Be skeptical of job offers that require upfront payments: Legitimate jobs do not ask you to pay to get hired. If it seems fishy, it probably is.

Use trusted sources to verify the legitimacy of offers and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. In 2022, the FTC returned over $392 million in refunds to more than 1.9 million consumers, showing the impact of reporting scams. Always be cautious and trust your instincts—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

7. Implement Multi-Layered Security

Using multiple layers of security can give you much better protection against scams. Think of it like building a fortress around your online life.The 2021 Cost of a Data Breach Report by the Ponemon Institute found that the estimated overall average cost per data breach rose from $3.86 million (2019-2020) to $4.24 million (2020-2021). That’s huge!

You can level up your security layers by doing the following:

• Enable firewalls on your devices: Firewalls act as a barrier between your devices and potential threats, blocking unauthorized access.
• Use virtual private networks (VPNs) to encrypt your internet connection: VPNs hide your online activity and make it harder for hackers to intercept your data.
• Backup important data regularly: Regular backups ensure that even if you do fall victim to a scam, you won’t lose all your important information.

Combine several security measures to create a strong defense against online threats. Regularly test your security systems to make sure they’re working well. A report by Cybersecurity Ventures predicts that cybercrime will cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, so having a robust security setup is more important than ever.

Enhancing Family Safety with Aro

While following these tips can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to online scams, it’s also crucial to foster a safe and balanced digital environment at home. 

Since screens and digital devices are ever-present, managing screen time effectively is just as important as protecting against online threats. This is where Aro can help.

Aro helps ensure you don’t miss out on what’s most important by making it easy for everyone to put down their phones and be fully present. 

By integrating Aro into your family’s daily routine, you can protect your loved ones not only from online scams but also from the adverse effects of excessive screen time, fostering a safer and more connected home environment. 

‍Start your journey with Aro today and create a safer, more balanced digital life for your family.

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