Be Aware! Security Tips from Fidelity Bank & Trust.

Publish Date: July 2024

If you have ever used social media, you have probably seen a “quiz” like this one:

Which pet should you get?  Answer the following questions to find out.

• Have you ever traveled outside of the country?
• What town did you grow up in?
• Who is your favorite fictional character?

Now it’s time for your results…you got, a PHISH!  That’s right.  Phishing refers to an attempt to steal sensitive information, and the answers to these simple questions could give cybercriminals the data they need to be successful in defrauding you.

“These questions may seem trivial, but your answers reveal a lot about you,” says Heidi Shumaker, Vice President and Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) Officer at Fidelity Bank & Trust.  “I’ve seen how easy it is to become a victim of fraud, so we recommend steering clear of quizzes like this that make it easy for a cybercriminal to gain access to your sensitive information.”

Learn more as Heidi reviews how cybercriminals can use your answers from the quiz above:

HAVE YOU EVER TRAVELED OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY?
This question reveals whether you have a passport. Knowing which forms of identification you have could help a cybercriminal steal your identity.

WHAT TOWN DID YOU GROW UP IN?
This question reveals a detail that can be used to verify your identity. The town where you grew up could also be where you were born, where you went to high school, or where you met your partner. Cybercriminals could use this information to answer security questions and gain access to an important account.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE FICTIONAL CHARACTER?
This question reveals your interests. Knowing what books or movies you enjoy could provide cybercriminals with a hint to crack your password. Cybercriminals could also use this information to target you on social media. Claiming to have a shared interest is an easy way for cybercriminals to appear friendly and trustworthy.

ADDITIONAL TIPS TO STAY SAFE:

• Don’t share any information online that you wouldn’t want to make public. No matter how cautious you are, any information posted on social media can still fall into the wrong hands.
• Social media platforms have many security options that can easily be overlooked, such as your tagged photo settings. Review and edit your privacy settings to be sure your information is kept safe.
• The next time you see a friend or family member post a quiz on social media, inform them of the risks involved. They may share sensitive information that you both have in common, such as your hometown. Cybercriminals may realize this connection, so your friend’s post could put you and others at risk.

Your security matters at Fidelity Bank & Trust.  Learn how to avoid a scam or view additional resources to stay informed and reduce your risk of loss to cybercriminals.  Contact us with further questions or any concerns about your financial security!