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When you use a VPN app, certain data from your connected device or phone — like your browsing history or data from the apps you’re using — is sent through servers owned by the company providing the VPN. Most VPN apps encrypt, or scramble, the data sent between your phone and the VPN server.
Image Source: Federal Trade Commission
If you haven’t updated your operating systems and other software in a while, it’s time to get with the program! Hundreds of security updates from Android to Apple, from browsers to software have been released recently. For Google Chrome and Apple iOS users, their patches included fixes for flaws already being exploited.
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With technology, it’s easier than ever to connect with others and people are just a click or call away. Nobody knows that better than scammers — who might try to contact you about a supposed virus or malware they’ve “found” on your device.
Image Source: Federal Trade Commission
The U.S. Department of Education recently announced another extension of the student loan payment pause. This time the pause runs through August 31, 2022. That news puts student loans back in the headlines, along with discussion of some possible, eventual loan forgiveness for all.
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Cyber-scams are everyday threats, especially in the world of online marketplace shopping. It happens often and to anyone, as we learned from the historic spike in online scams during coronavirus lockdowns and beyond. Now, eBay’s popular e-commerce marketplace is increasingly a target for cyber-scams and scammers.
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As you’re reading this, a cyberthief could be buying a new car with your credit. If you don’t regularly check your credit report, you’d never know about your “recent purchase.” It could be the beginning of a massive spending spree on your dime, and in the end, there may be very little left of your funds and your credit.
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Has the U.S. Border Patrol called you? No, they haven’t. But a scammer might have. In fact, scammers often pretend to be from government agencies to trick you into sending them money or sharing personal information.
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When people encounter scams or bad business practices, they report them to the FTC. And what we’ve learned is interesting. Young adults report losing money to scammers more often than older people do, but when people age 70+ had a loss, the reported median loss was much higher.
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The internet has been called the information superhighway. But with scammers, hackers, and other bad guys trying to steal your personal information online, it’s a good idea to know how to lock down your devices, network, and information.
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Mobile payment apps can be a convenient way to send and receive money with your smartphone. These apps have become very popular — and scammers may try to use them to steal your money.
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One of the most prolific cyber assaults on organizations continues to be email phishing. Financial institutions in particular make lucrative, easy targets to exploit.
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Dishonest invention promoters lie about the profit potential of your invention to get you to pay for expensive, but often useless, services. Here’s what you need to know to avoid an invention promotion scam.
Image Source: Federal Trade Commission
Some scammy debt relief companies will say just about anything to get your money. They promise to get you a lower credit card interest rate, claiming to be able to save you thousands of dollars but they don't have special connections to do that.
Image Source: Federal Trade Commission