Beyond VPNs: 4 Red Flags to Watch Out For Online

 A VPN shields your internet connection from prying eyes, but it cannot stop a con artist from trying to trick you into sharing personal information. Knowing what to look out for is the most powerful tool for staying safe online.

Watch out for these four common warning signs:

1. The "Panicked" Pop-Up or Phone Call

The Trick: A loud warning pops up on your computer screen saying, "Your computer is infected with a virus! Call this number immediately!" Or, someone calls pretending to be from Microsoft, Apple, or your bank, claiming your account is in danger.

• The Reality: Real companies will never put a phone number in a pop-up ad or call out of the blue to ask for access to your computer.
• What to do: Close the browser window or hang up the phone. If you are worried, call your bank or tech support using the trusted number printed on the back of your card or bill.

2. High Urgency and Demands for Secrecy

The Trick: A caller or email claims a grandchild is in trouble, or that your Social Security or Medicare benefits will be cut off unless you pay immediately. They will often say, "Don't tell anyone, we need to handle this right now!"

• The Reality: Scammers use fear and urgency so you won't have time to think clearly or check with family.
• What to do: Take a deep breath and pause. Hang up and call your relative or bank directly to verify the story before sending any money.

3. Strange Payment Methods

The Trick: Someone asks you to pay a bill, settle a fine, or help a friend using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

• The Reality: No legitimate company, government agency, or utility provider will ever ask you to pay with a store gift card or digital currency.
• What to do: Treat any request for gift cards or wire transfers as an immediate scam.

4. Links in Unexpected Text Messages or Emails

The Trick: You receive a message saying a package couldn't be delivered, or that you won a prize, with a small link to click.

• The Reality: Clicking these links can send you to fake websites designed to steal your passwords or credit card numbers.
• What to do: Never click links in unexpected messages. Go directly to the official website by typing the address into your browser yourself.

Golden Rules for Staying Safe

• When in doubt, hang up or log off: It is never rude to hang up on an unexpected caller.
• Use the "Second Opinion" rule: Before sending money or sharing financial details, talk to a trusted family member, neighbor, or friend first.

Keep your passwords private: Never give out passwords or one-time security codes over the phone or in an email.