Book an Appointment

Y-Not Tech Services Logo
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Services
    • Done-For-You Busienss IT Services
    • Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
    • Home Security Suite
    • Password Protector
    • All Services
  • Best Antivirus
  • Testimonials
  • Hours
  • Remote

Beware These Social Media Scams | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB Computer Help

September 14, 2021 by Tony Whitney

Beware These Social Media Scams | Y-Not Tech Services - Lethbridge, AB Computer Help

Beware These Social Media Scams

Huntington Volvo? Rowe Subaru? What will your hilarious quiz results be when you enter your fourth-grade teacher’s name and first model of car? You may think it’s silly entertainment – until it isn’t. Many fun social media questionnaires are set up by hackers to steal your identity.

It seems like a harmless collection of random facts from your past. These quizzes might ask for details such as:

  • What was your first job?
  • What was the name of your first-grade teacher?
  • What car did you learn to drive in?
  • What was your first concert?

These popular quizzes promise to tell your “rock star” name or your “superhero” name. You know it’s as reliable as the Magic Eightball, but you play along anyway. We all need a laugh, right?

Except that the people really laughing are hackers. Many of the questions posed are also security prompts used to verify your identity online.

Cybersecurity experts agree: don’t take these quizzes. It’s not as if there is any real value in filling out the social questionnaire. You’re simply taking the bait and risking having your personal data stolen.

Avoiding Social Media Scams

Here are some tips to help keep you safe from social media hackers:

  • Don’t get hooked by clicking on that post that seems too good to be true, especially shocking, or scandalous.
  • Be wary of any quiz that asks for information that could be relevant to your online password.
  • If you must quiz, fill out questionnaires on reputable websites only.
  • Avoid quizzes that ask you to provide your email address.
  • Contact companies through trusted channels only.
  • Make sure that you are dealing with the proper entity’s real website and not a look-alike site created by a scammer.

Also, think twice about apps that change your face into a cartoon character or a painting. Facial recognition is a more common security tool. Be cautious about letting unknown apps collect your photos and facial details.

What to Do If Your Online Accounts Are Hacked

Cry. Curse. Panic. Any of these may seem like a reasonable response in the moment. Still, there are better things to do for long-term recovery.

#1 Have your devices inspected by trusted IT experts. This is one more area to be wary. Scam artists will set up sites that appear to be affiliated to the manufacturer or phone numbers that appear to go to technical support specialists. It’s best to take your devices to a physical repair shop with a real human doing the work.

#2 Change your passwords. When your account is hacked, you’ll want to change that password immediately. Plus, as annoying as it is, change passwords for all accounts accessed on the compromised device. The hackers may have installed malware that tracked all data transmitted on the device.

#3 Set up credit monitoring. Notify any financial institutions or credit card companies if those accounts are hacked. You’ll likely need to have them issue you new cards with fresh account numbers. You can also ask them to monitor your accounts for fraudulent transactions. You might also set up credit monitoring with your region’s credit reporting agencies.

Keep in mind that criminals can be patient and may not use your information right away. So, don’t think you’re in the clear because nothing happens in the first month.

Need help protecting your devices and online accounts? Contact our IT experts today and book an appointment. We can also review your security setup at home to help prevent you from being the victim of a cyberattack.

Book an Appointment

 

Filed Under: Lesson Tagged With: Computer help, computer help lethbridge, computer repair, computer repair Lethbridge, facebookapps, facebookquiz, identitytheft, scams, socialmedia, Y-Not, y-not tech, ynot, ynot tech

Share:

Services

  • Web Design and Hosting
  • Upgrade to Solid State Drive
  • Laptop Screen Replacement
  • Virus Removal and Tuneup
  • Software Installation
  • Remote Connection Tech Support for Canada
  • On Site Service
  • One on One Technology Training
  • Hardware Install
  • Computer Diagnostic

Testimonials

  • Tony is knowledgeable, friendly and efficient. Read More
    Bruce W.
  • Tony was great to do business with. He knew exactly what needed to be done even with the little amount of information I had about the project!!! Competitive pricing I will definitely call him again!! Read More
    Graham F.
  • Very friendly, personable and present when explaining what is going on with the computer, appreciated a good dialogue and helpfulness you provided! Read More
    Darlene B.
    Lethbridge, AB
  • Tony is the best IT computer guy I have ever used, he has fixed problems the big guys said I had to buy a new computer for and then I got him to set up internet stuff for the house...again awesome and someone I trust. (from google.com) Read More
    David Duggan
  • Y-Not Tech Services is a excellent tech company that answers all your questions regarding computer problems. Tony is completely honest in explaining options to deal with the problem, and then recommends the best option to use. His advice is based on not just his own consensus, but as well checks with other techs in his... Read More
    Derrick Boyko
    Coaldale, AB
  • Tony walked in to drop off a business card and when he walked out. 3 issues I had on my computer were gone and I had a new anti virus. Phenomenal service I would recommend him to anyone ! (from facebook.com/ynottechservices) Read More
    Ryan Brigham
    Big Al's Music and Games in Lethbridge, AB
  • I trust my tech guy! ... (it's Tony) best option if you don't watch your scans and security. Read More
    Kehly Rath
  • Will recommend to anybody. He is darn good. Read More
    Shima Raj
  • He is fast to respond and has always been able to walk me through any problem I have. I always rely on Tony for my tech needs. Read More
    Heather Arstall
  • Will always recommend the best product or service to fit your unique needs. Read More
    Bev Trahan

FOLLOW US

Book an Appointment with us!

Book an Appointment

Copyright © 2023 · Y-Not Tech Services · 534 17 st S, Lethbridge, Alberta (AB) T1J 3C3