December

December Session 1: Research the Latest Scams
It’s a sad reality, but the fact is fraud spikes around the holidays. And with new insidious tactics constantly popping up, even the savviest of consumers can be victimized. Use your time in this session to do a search engine query for the latest scams.

Tip: Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to catch intrusions into your accounts before they happen. Usually, your best bet is to monitor your credit and checking accounts closely for criminal invasions and then take the appropriate steps to block their access and get your money back.

December Session 2: Increase My Online Security
Now that you’re building a fortress around your accounts and data, it’s time to take additional digital steps to bulk up your defenses. In this vulnerable time of year, remember to:

• Run antivirus software on your computer.
• Change all your passwords and store them in a secure place.
• Use multi-factor authentication on all your devices.
• Use only secure sites with an “https” address for your shopping.
• Instead of clicking on links in emails, visit sites where you do business at a link you know to be legitimate.

Tip: Try to avoid sharing your travel plans on social media. Believe it or not, some people use this information to break into homes when they know occupants are away. Even a “Can’t wait to see you on Thursday” message could tip off a potential criminal.