Emergency Preparedness Committee: Fraud

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
DON’T let someone take a bite out of your apple!
If you use credit cards and/or debit cards, a federal law limits your liability to $50. Most credit card companies provide a zero-liability policy. Debit cards offer similar protection if you report the fraud immediately. BUT, digital payment services such as Apple Cash, Pay Pal and proposed Libra by Facebook aren’t bound by the same regulations as credit and debit cards. It’s up to the indi-vidual companies to offer protections themselves. ASK
them about their policies.
These payment systems should carry a big red flag that says “You’re NOT protected.” Apple does warn, “If you’re not sure about the identity of the source, don’t send the pay- ment.” Scam methods are on the horizon, so BE AWARE. ALWAYS double check your statements.
While we’re at it let’s go back and re-visit another elec- tronic safety step for computer, tablet, and cell phone use:
2-FA. Remember what that is? Do you use it?
If not, here’s a quickie review: 2-Factor Authentication is a type, or subset, of Mufti-Factor Authentication (MFA). It is a method in which a computer user’s claimed identity uses two different factors to gain entry and insure greater protec- tion against identity theft and keep your data safe. Users are granted access only after successfully presenting two or more pieces of evidence: passwords and pin, USB stick/key and finger print and facial recognition are examples.
Get a password manager like Dashlane and make sure you are using different passwords for your different accounts.
Finally, do some exploring on your own by simply calling your bank, financial services account, or Google 2FA or MFA and explore your enhanced security options. B Safe & B Smart.
AND, wishing you and yours a Wonderful Holiday and
New Year.
—Kent Wellbrock