AT&T Cyberaware making customers aware of phone scams

Robocalls from the IRS, fake websites to help you get your stimulus check…it seems we’re constantly hearing about some new scam that has popped up and thrust into our life. In a recent survey commissioned by AT&T, 55% of consumers said they’re spending more time online over the last year, which is no surprise considering the pandemic. As more of our lives migrate online, legitimate concerns about security are also increasing. On a scale of 1-100, consumers rate their own digital security a 60/100. And more than a third of consumers recognize they need to do something to protect themselves from scams and cyberattacks. AT&T has a strong history of helping people be more cyber-aware, and we have some tips to help you spot and avoid scams.

Things to consider:

Our smartphones and tablets are a convenient way to get a lot done - shop online, check our bank balance and book medical appointments. But the more we do online, the more we open ourselves up to cybersecurity threats, scams and fraud. So, AT&T is here with tips for protecting ourselves.

Facts; Scammers were busy in 2020, with the FTC receiving more than 2 million fraud reports. Now, with COVID stimulus checks out there and tax season, we need to be more vigilant than ever.

Red Flags: Scammers will always try to pressure you, they will demand answers and money right away and either dangle a threat or a reward. When you hear that kind of pressure, you know it is NOT legitimate.

Use Call blocking tools:

FTC says phone calls and texts are still the number one way that scammers reach people

At AT&T we estimate in 2020 alone, we blocked or labeled approximately 17 million spam calls a day.

Research the call blocking tools your carrier has. For example, AT&T Call Protect comes standard in the network. It automatically blocks fraud calls and labels other nuisance calls so you can choose to answer or not. You can check with your carrier to see what they have to help you.

The free AT&T Mobile Security app wireless customers can enable device security and receive data breach alerts and tips.

If someone calls you and asks for info. Get the number, compare it with the company’s REAL number from its official website, and call them back

Most of all:

Do not share personal information or provide payment over the phone

Legitimate agencies such as IRS and the Treasury Department will not ask you to wire money or pay immediately with a credit card or gift card over the phone, via text or in an email.

They will not ask you to share personal information.

If someone calls you and asks for info. Get the number, compare it with the company’s real number and call them back

Never click on suspicious links or visit unknown websites

Links to viruses and destructive software (called malware) can be transmitted through text messages and emails.

Some hackers imitate legitimate contacts to lure users to provide their information.

Look for security indicators on websites. These include an "s" after the http in a website address, and a lock icon before the address.

If you are asked to fill out a form or share information, go directly to the company's secure website to submit the information.

Don't fill out forms attached to emails or click on links.

For more information about being cyber aware visit AT&T Cyberaware: https://att.com/CyberAware

Like crossing the street, when your online, whether it be a laptop, smartphone or tablet, look both ways and be careful!