Top 5 tips to stay safe online
With the holiday season around the corner, we’re entering a time of connecting with loved ones, sending cards, and exchanging gifts. Thanks to today’s digital tools, it’s easier than ever to send an e‑card or order presents online. Unfortunately, this rise in online activity — combined with busy schedules and festive distractions — also creates ideal conditions for scammers. They know people are shopping more, clicking more, and juggling more.
To help you stay safe, here are five tips to better protect your information online:
1. Be Aware of Common Scams
It’s helpful to understand common scams circulating online. One of the most widespread is phishing, which is when a scammer sends a text, email, or phone call pretending to be a trusted source, such as a bank or government agency, to steal sensitive information.
A phishing attempt might look like an email designed to mimic one from your bank, asking you to “verify” account details. Or it could be a direct phone call from someone claiming to represent a government office, requiring your SIN. In both cases, the scammer’s goal is the same: to make the message feel real so you hand over something important.
2. Slow it Down and Verify
If you didn’t expect it (the text, link, message, or request), double-check it. Anything involving your personal information deserves extra caution as scammers rely on urgency and panic to push you into quick decisions. Pause, breathe, and verify the claim using a different method.
For example, if you receive a text claiming to be from a relative requiring a money transfer, reach out to them through another channel. Call or email to confirm it’s really them.
Read the full article, including all five safety tips, on page 6 of Scenicview Living Magazine’s October issue.
