Cyber Safety
This page will be dedicated to providing information about how to use technology safely and recognize scams and scammers.
Tips to Protect Yourself from the Ontario Provincial Police - taken from here.
- If Something seems to good to be true, it probably is.
- Slow down. Don't let anyone force you to make decisions when you feel rushed or threatened.
- Don't be afraid to hang up on phone calls. Do not engage with unknown parties on the phone.
- Think twice about clicking on links on social media, advertisements or in emails.
- Shred and destroy documents that contain your personal information.
- Do your research before making purchases, supporting charities or investing money.
- Keep anti-virus / protection software on your computer and other electronic devices up to date.
- Make complex passwords, change them often and use separate passwords for each account you have.
- Keep personal information private (banking info, SIN card, etc.).
- Do not send gift cards or cryptocurrency as payment methods.
- Do not open your door to uninvited visitors. Your door, your rules.
- Limit the information you share on social media.
There are many types of Fraud - The Ontario Provincial Police Website provides descriptions of the various was fraudsters try to take advantage of people. Check out their website by clicking here to read about these scams and protect yourself.
If you think you have been the victim of fraud - report it to the police right away. There are many ways to report this - check here for more information.
One type of phone scam - recording your voice
Please be aware when answering the phone:
If someone calls, especially from a number that you don't recognize, making claims to be customer service, the bank, pretty much anything and ask if this is - your name - do not answer yes. Instead, you could answer - I can hear you rather than yes.
Why? Scammers can record you saying yes and sign you up or into many things using your voice.
There are many ways scammers can get your name and number.
Best Practice: If you don't recognize a number, don't answer the phone. If it's someone who really needs to get in touch with you, they will leave a message.
