California continues to be the state where the most people report having lost money to online scams. That is why authorities want you to take precautions when it comes to protecting your identity online.
“Maybe they are asking, why isn’t a password enough today?” says Cristina Miranda, spokesperson for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). “Well, it’s because we have hackers who are using different tactics to steal or to get the passwords.”
According to the FBI, the theft tactic most reported to the bureau is known as “phishing,” a type of scam in which imposters pretend to be representatives of the government or a well-known business.
Ramona Modesto’s identity is stolen because of her good credit, leaving her with many debts.
“They call, text or message through social media and say something needs to be clicked or something needs to be done urgently,” says Miranda.
The impostors send the victim to an official-looking site or call them and convince them to give them their details to log in, either to their bank or any other account. They take over your information, using your name and password, to steal your money
The FBI received more than 298,000 such complaints in 2023, equivalent to 34% of reported cybercrimes. California is where there were the most complaints and losses: 80,000 and $2 billion.
One of the existing tools to protect yourself from this type of scam is multi-factor authentication or two-step verification.
This means that if a scammer gets hold of someone’s password, whether through data theft or another tactic, they will face another obstacle before being able to access the account.
By installing multi-factor authentication on the banking profile, the user will receive a text or code on the cell phone to confirm that they are the person trying to log in.
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However, if impostors ask for that code, posing as the bank, or a government agency, it is important to remember not to share it.
In addition to these keys that banks send, users can install another line of defense on their cell phone or tablet.
There are several authentication apps, such as Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator and Duo, that you can search through the ‘app stores’, for example,” says Miranda.
“Usually, authenticator apps generate a verification passcode.”
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Miranda points out that any account is vulnerable.
“Like your bank account, a credit card account and social media, filing website, tax returns and payment applications,” Miranda highlights. “It is very important to have a two-factor authentication system for these accounts”
Scammers don’t rest It is important to install some type of multiple authentication tool, which is the equivalent of putting a double lock on a door.
