The advent of convenient, simple, and broadly available digital services has transformed the way we navigate through the world around us. New and innovative digital products and services are developing and expanding rapidly, and as a consequence of their rise, there is an ever-changing landscape of new and sophisticated fraudulent activity.
Being vigilant, reporting suspicious activities, and employing sound practices for online security are your best strategies for staying safe.
Seven Essentials for Online Security
Below are seven safety and security tips to action now to help keep you safe from fraudulent activity and give you greater peace of mind.
- Regularly check your account for any unusual or suspicious activity and notify your financial institution if you see any.
- Set and manage alerts on your accounts. It’s quick and easy.
- Ensure the safety and security of e-Transfers and only send money to people you know and trust.
- Check a website’s URL before proceeding to ensure it’s not a fake site and bookmark ones you use regularly.
- Don't click on links or open attachments in emails or texts from unknown sources.
- If you receive an email, call or text asking for personal information, investigate before you act.
- Use passwords that have a long combination of letters, numbers and special characters, and change your password on a regular basis. You should also consider using a password safe or an online password manager service. Learn more here.
Best Practices for Digital Security
While cybersecurity can be a complex global challenge, a few simple practices can go a long way to protecting you and your online activities and accounts.
Use unique alpha-numeric passwords for each website or service you use; if a scammer were to obtain your password on one platform, they are likely to attempt to use this same password for other common platforms (Netflix, Amazon, Online Banking, etc.).
If you receive an email from an entity that you are unfamiliar with, or an one that asks you to divulge sensitive information such as a personal password, do not reply and do not open any attachments or click any links. Contact a customer services representative from the company to confirm if the message was in fact sent by them.
Do not respond to confrontational or threatening emails or phone calls. Social engineering tactics used by scammers aim to excite, intimidate, shame, or incite panic in their victims to illicit emotional reactions that compromise a person’s ability to make rational decisions. If you are suspicious or uncomfortable with an email or phone call, end the conversation and contact the company directly.
Common and Recent Scams
Cybercriminals are always trying new scams or recycling old ones with new twists. Here are a few to be mindful of:
- Automated phone calls from the Canada Revenue Agency demanding payment of owed taxes
- Demands from law enforcement to provide personal information, or payment via wire transfer and gift cards to settle legal disputes
- Individuals impersonating colleagues or relatives requesting urgent money transfers or payments to help with expenses or legal issues
If you are ever unsure as to whether a communication from BlueShore Financial or another financial entity is legitimate, please do not hesitate to contact us for clarification. Your financial and digital security are essential to your financial and personal well-being, and we are committed to working with our clients to help navigate the constantly evolving digital landscape.
Questions? Contact us
If you have any questions about ways to safeguard your information or your accounts, contact us at 604.982.8000 or toll-free at 1.888.713.6728. We’re here to help.
To learn more, review our website for information on staying safe in a digital world.
