Pig-butchering scams are becoming more commonplace. A University of Texas study estimates that up to $75 billion has been stolen from victims worldwide via pig butchering since 2020. Here’s how the scam typically works: The scam has become so prevalent that in 2023 the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network issued an alert with 15 behavioral, financial,… Read more »
Tag: Cybersecurity
Stay Safe This Holiday Season: 2024 Scam Prevention Tips from PVB
The holiday season brings joy, connection, and giving, but it also opens the door to an unfortunate reality: scammers often target shoppers, travelers, and even charitable donors. At Powell Valley National Bank, we prioritize your financial security and want to equip you with the tools you need to stay protected. Here are key tips to… Read more »
Can You Spot a Phishing Scam?
Every day, thousands of people fall victim to fraudulent emails, texts and calls from scammers pretending to be their bank. And in this time of expanded use of online and mobile banking, the problem is only growing worse. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission’s report on fraud estimates that American consumers lost a staggering $8.8… Read more »
Donate Wisely: Avoid Charity Scams on Giving Tuesday 2022
When supporting a cause you care about, you want to make sure your donation goes as far as possible. Before giving, do some research to ensure your gifts go where they’ll do the most good. 1. Research Online If you aren’t already familiar with a good charity to support, start with some Google searches. Simply… Read more »
Cyber Monday – 10 Tips To Avoid Scams
Cyber Monday is one of the biggest online shopping days of the year, and while people are busy online shopping for gifts, fraudsters are seizing the opportunity to scam them out of their money. So, take these precautions as you shop this year to help protect your money and information. Top 10 Fraud Alert Tips… Read more »
SMBs: Mitigating the Top 3 Cybersecurity Threats
Without technology, businesses and consumers would not have been able to stay connected amidst the global pandemic, Covid-19. At the same time, heavier reliance on interconnected systems opens businesses and consumers up to increased cyber security risks. On top of that, looming warnings of Russian cyberthreats mean that small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) need to… Read more »
Recognize and Avoid Business Email Compromise Cyber Threats
Business email compromise (BEC) attacks, also known as email account compromise (EAC) attacks, are on the rise globally. According to the FBI, BEC is one of the most financially damaging online crimes. However, with the proper preventative measures and best practices in place, businesses and individuals can avoid falling victim to business email compromise attacks.… Read more »
5 Tips for Creating Secure Passwords (Infographic)
World Password Day is the first Thursday in May every year, and it serves as a great reminder to check in on the strength of all of your passwords. You may already know that it’s a good idea to update the password to your online banking account once every couple of months, but it’s equally… Read more »
Cybercriminals Taking Advantage of Coronavirus
The vulnerability and anxiety spreading alongside the Coronavirus (COVID-19) present an opportunity for cybercriminals. Over the last few weeks, there’s been an increase in social engineering and phishing campaigns targeting Americans, and Coronavirus-themed phishing kits have emerged for sale on the Dark Web. Taking advantage of widespread fear, cybercriminals have launched fake websites made to… Read more »
2019 Scam Trends and How to Avoid Them
As consumers learn more about avoiding scams, criminals learn more about creating them. Last year in the U.S. over 50,500 scams were reported to the Better Business Bureau, and at the time of this article, over 9,600 scams have already been reported in 2019. Fraud can come in many different forms and affect people of… Read more »