We want to share an important reminder about online safety and scams. Scammers are becoming more convincing, and they often contact people by phone, email, text message, social media, or pop-up messages on a computer.

• Please be cautious if someone contacts you unexpectedly and asks you to act quickly, share personal information, click a link, open an attachment, send money, buy gift cards, use cryptocurrency, or provide banking or Medicare information.

• Stay at Home carries insurance protection against cyber-attacks.
   

A FEW COMMON WARNING SIGNS INCLUDE:

• Someone says there is an emergency and you must respond right away.

• Someone says a family member is in jail and needs bail money, call 911.

• Threatens arrest if fine isn’t paid immediately.

• Someone claims to be from your bank, Medicare, Social Security, a utility company, tech support, or the government and asks for personal or financial information.

• Someone asks you to buy gift cards and read the numbers over the phone.

• Someone says you have won a prize, but you must pay a fee first.

• Someone you met online asks for money, gift cards, or help with an “urgent” problem.

•  A message includes a link and asks you to “verify” your account, password, or payment information.

• Before you respond, pause and check. Do not click links or call phone numbers from unexpected messages. Instead, contact the company, bank, or agency using a phone number you already know is real, such as the number on your statement, card, or official website.

• Please remember, legitimate businesses and government agencies will not pressure you to pay by gift card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or payment app.

• If something feels suspicious, it is okay to hang up, delete the message, or ask a trusted family member, friend, your local police department or our office before taking action. You are never being rude by protecting yourself.

• If you believe you may have shared information or sent money to a scammer, contact your bank or credit card company right away. You can also report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

• Your safety and peace of mind are important to us. Please take your time, ask questions, and do not let anyone pressure you into making a quick decision.

 
Stay Safe,
Stay at Home in Little Compton