If there is something you can count on, it is that there seems to be a new scam every day. While we’ve covered different types of Social Security scams over the years, Jeanne from Hackensack, New Jersey, forwarded a new one to share with you.

“I received this email (displayed below) yesterday. I did not open the attachment. I hovered my mouse over the name of the Sender and immediately saw it as a lie.”

This vigilant approach by Jeanne demonstrates the importance of being cautious and skeptical when dealing with unsolicited emails, especially those claiming to be from official sources.

GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT’S NEWSLETTER – THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE

What type of scam is this?

A phishing scam is when a person or group pretends to be an established organization, such as a governmental agency, financial institution or legitimate company. The scammer uses what looks like a legitimate email address and usually attaches what looks like an official invoice or letter. 

They usually approach with a sense of urgency. In this instance, her Social Security number was compromised. The desired outcome is to get you to open the attachment, which can download a virus or malware onto your device or reach out to them to get your personal information, in this case, over the phone. Luckily, Jeanne knew better, did not open the attachment and reported it to the governmental agency being impersonated.

Illustration of scammers on laptops (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND AVOID BEING A VICTIM OF VACATION RENTAL SCAMS

What to do if you receive one of these scam emails?

Now that you know what types of emails to be wary of, what should you do when you receive them? Below are several methods to protect yourself.

1) Flag the email

Mark the email as junk or spam so your email service provider will learn to flag such emails. This should also make it harder to open the attachments accidentally.

2) Don’t open any attachments or links

Jeanne smartly did not open the attached letter. She hovered her cursor over the attachment and saw it was suspicious. Remember, opening attachments or links from a scammer can download viruses or malware to your device. It can also take you to another website that can glean more of your personal information or release viruses or malware.

3) Do not respond to the email or reach out to these scammers over the phone or any other method

This will simply validate that they have an actual victim to harass further. Additionally, if you do call them with the number they provided, they can connect your email address to the phone number you use to call them. 

4) Go directly to the source

If there was indeed a problem with your Social Security number or account, you can go to the official Social Security Administration website. You can even visit them in person to validate your account standing.

Security alert notice on computer screen (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET

8 ways to prevent phishing scammers from reaching you

Preventing yourself from being a target of a scam can save you loads of anxiety and trouble. Below are 8 ways to prevent yourself from being a victim in the first place.

1) Verify or sign up for a Social Security account

Whether you already have an account or not, regularly verifying your Social Security account is crucial. For those who haven’t, visit the official Social Security Administration website to create one. Since only one account can be registered per Social Security number, securing yours prevents others from fraudulently claiming it. If you already have an account, ensure it’s linked to a secure email that you check often and review your account statements to spot any discrepancies. This proactive approach helps safeguard your personal information and alerts you to any unauthorized activity.

2) Use two-factor authentication

Always enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your online accounts. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring two or more verification methods. It’s not just a password; it could be a code sent to your phone, a fingerprint or a facial scan. This makes it much harder for scammers to gain unauthorized access.

3) Keep software and systems updated

Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software. Regularly updating your operating system, antivirus software and other applications can protect you from these threats. You can also set your devices to update automatically so you don’t have to remember to do it manually.

4) Secure your personal information

Be cautious about sharing personal information online. Think twice before entering sensitive details on websites, especially if you’re unsure they’re legitimate. Use privacy settings on social media to control who can see your information and be wary of unsolicited requests for your personal data.

5) Have strong antivirus software

If you have strong antivirus software installed on your device, it can protect you when you receive these types of scam emails or accidentally open the attachment or click a link. The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

6) Invest in personal data removal services

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods of obtaining personal information. They often scour the web for publicly available data, piecing together details from various sources to create targeted phishing attacks. These personalized scams can be alarmingly convincing, making it crucial to limit the amount of personal information accessible online.

While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Remove your personal data from the internet with my top picks here.

7) Use an identity theft protection service

Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. 

One of the best parts of using some services is that they might include identity theft insurance of up to $1 million to cover losses and legal fees and a white-glove fraud resolution team where a U.S.-based case manager helps you recover any losses. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft. 

8) Directly reach out to the real organizations for verification

Just like Jeanne did, contact the government agency, financial institution or company directly using contact information from their official websites. Ensure that you never use any contact details provided in unsolicited communications, as these can be falsified by scammers to mislead you and become a potential victim.

By incorporating these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of phishing scams. Stay vigilant and proactive in protecting your personal information.

HEARTLESS SCAMMERS ARE PREYING ON PEOPLE’S LOST PET ANGUISH

Kurt’s key takeaways

When it comes to protecting yourself from scammers, you can never be too prepared. Let’s face it: These fraudsters are getting craftier by the day. They’re like those pesky weeds in your garden; just when you think you’ve got them all, a new one pops up. But don’t let that get you down. With the tips we’ve covered, you’re now armed and ready to spot these scams from a mile away. Stay skeptical of those fishy emails, and when in doubt, reach out to the real organizations directly. And hey, if you ever feel overwhelmed, just think of Jeanne from Hackensack. She didn’t fall for the scam and neither will you. You’ve got this.

Have you received a scam email from anyone pretending to be from a governmental agency? How did you respond? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Follow Kurt on his social channels:

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Apple’s next Mac Mini won’t have USB-A ports, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who writes in today’s Power On newsletter that the new desktops will start to hit Apple’s warehouses in September. The higher-end variant with an Apple M4 Pro chip will ship in October, he writes.

The version with an M4 Pro will still cram a lot of ports, including five USB-C ports (two in the front and three in the back), an ethernet port, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack, according to Gurman’s sources. And the new Mac Mini will apparently have an internal power supply. That’s not too shabby for a computer that’s expected to be about the size of an Apple TV.

Is it time to say goodbye to USB-A? Maybe. Probably. But no matter how you feel about that, it’s absolutely time something new happened with the Mac Mini, the longest-in-the-tooth Apple computer design. As Chris Welch illustrated earlier this month, it looks the same in our 2012 and 2023 reviews. (He didn’t point out our review of the first version of the Mac Mini’s current design because there isn’t one — The Verge didn’t exist yet in 2010.)

In our tech-driven world, batteries are the unsung heroes powering everything from your smartphone to electric cars. But here’s the catch: Traditional battery manufacturing can be pretty harsh on the environment and our health due to those problematic “forever chemicals” called PFAS.

These chemicals sneak into countless everyday products and have even made their way into the bloodstream of most Americans, bringing along a host of health concerns. 

That’s where Ateios Systems comes in. Based in Newberry, Indiana, this innovative company is shaking things up by developing a new way to make batteries without these harmful substances.

GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS — SIGN UP FOR KURT’S NEWSLETTER — THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE

A new era in battery manufacturing

Ateios Systems has developed an innovative electrode manufacturing process that not only removes forever chemicals but also offers a 20% reduction in costs, a 50% increase in energy density and an 82% decrease in energy consumption during production. This breakthrough is not just about creating a cleaner battery; it’s about making batteries more efficient and cost-effective, which is crucial as the global battery market continues to grow rapidly.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE U.S. NEWS

Electrode manufacturing process. (Ateios Systems)

BEST RECHARGEABLE BATTERY CHARGERS 2024

The impact of RaiCure technology

The company’s proprietary RaiCure Technology, developed in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, replaces traditional high-temperature curing with a radiation-based process using energy-curable polymers. This method not only enhances battery performance but also significantly reduces environmental impact.

By focusing on improving the manufacturing process rather than creating entirely new battery chemistry, Ateios is able to quickly adapt its technology for a wide range of applications, from small electronics to potentially even electric vehicles.

HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET 

Electrode manufacturing process. (Ateios Systems)

WHICH APPS ARE DRAINING YOUR PHONE’S BATTERY?

Environmental and health benefits

With 95% of batteries currently relying on polymers that are categorized as forever chemicals, Ateios’ innovation represents a major step forward in reducing pollution and protecting public health. By eliminating these harmful substances, Ateios is setting a new standard for environmentally friendly manufacturing practices in the battery industry.

Electrode manufacturing process. (Ateios Systems)

SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR PHONE BATTERY OR BUY A NEW PHONE?

The future of clean energy

As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, the demand for cleaner, more efficient batteries is growing. Ateios’ technology not only promises to enhance the performance of existing battery-powered devices but also holds the potential to further reduce the environmental impact of EVs. This aligns with broader efforts to transition to cleaner energy solutions, which are supported by government incentives and consumer demand.

SUBSCRIBE TO KURT’S FACEBOOK PAGE FOR QUICK TECH TIPS ON HOW TO WORK ALL OF YOUR TECH DEVICES

Electrode manufacturing process. (Ateios Systems)

Kurt’s key takeaways

By ditching those harmful forever chemicals and streamlining the manufacturing process, Ateios Systems is doing its part to create a cleaner planet while also boosting the performance of the devices we rely on every day. As they continue to grow and refine their technology, it’s clear that Ateios is set to play a major role in the future of clean energy and sustainable manufacturing.

How do you feel about the role of electric vehicles in reducing environmental impact, and what factors influence your decision to switch to one?  Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Follow Kurt on his social channels:

Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.