(Graphic | Courtesy of Oregon FBI)
Over the past two years, many people have had crash courses in how to use video communications systems. Personal apps such as FaceTime and Skype have made it easier to keep in touch with friends and family during COVID times. Other services — such as Zoom, Teams and Google Meet — were lifelines for schools, businesses and community groups.
Just because most of us are back in school or back to work doesn’t mean the bad actors aren’t still trying to use these video communications systems to bilk your bank account.
Here are some reminders on how to stay safe:
- Make sure to research what security settings are available — and turn them on — for whatever platforms you are using.
- Avoid connecting your video communications apps or systems to your social media accounts whenever possible.
- Don’t accept calls or chats from unknown people or numbers.
- Review the app or service’s privacy and terms of service policies before using. Check back for updates periodically and only allow the app or service the minimal amount of permissions necessary.
- Know exactly what kind of data the app or service is collecting about you and how it is storing, sharing or selling that information.
- Make sure group calls are password-protected and confirm participants’ identities before proceeding.
- Make sure to leave or end the call every time. Don’t count on the host to do it.
- Password-protect your account and use multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Check your visual background or use a virtual background. You may be leaking personal information about yourself or others.
If you are the victim of an online scam, you should report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov or call your FBI local office.
