At February's Meet and Mingle, U3A member Barry O'Connor, presented a comprehensive exposure of online scams and how unprepared we are to combat them.
For example, Barry said a recent survey of internet users, had shown that only 35 per cent had installed proper security software.
He urged anyone shopping online, to only make payments using PayPal, because of its inbuilt securities. So if a site did not have PayPal available it was a warning sign not to use it.
At the same time, link PayPal to a separate bank account, containing relatively minimal funds and daily withdrawal limits. As well check statements regularly.
Also, remove or falsify identifiable images, birthdate and other personal details on any social media platform, because they can be the basis of creating false documents or securing loans in your name.
Barry noted the importance of having a stash of cash on hand to cover at least three week's basic living needs. This is necessary because accounts and/or credit/debit cards will be frozen for maybe weeks if your bank detects illegal activity.
He said that despite assurances from providers, there is no totally safe internet or mobile device. “As well, artificial intelligence will take scamming to a whole new level”.
Our Annual General Meeting will be held at Meet and Mingle on Wednesday 20 March 2024 at 10am in the Auditorium of the Benalla Seniors and Community Centre, Fawckner Drive, Benalla. Guest Speaker will be Lou Sigmund who will talk about Chooks. Lou is an entertaining speaker who has previously spoken at Meet and Mingle about Inventions: Successes and Failures. All welcome.
David Palmer
For example, Barry said a recent survey of internet users, had shown that only 35 per cent had installed proper security software.
He urged anyone shopping online, to only make payments using PayPal, because of its inbuilt securities. So if a site did not have PayPal available it was a warning sign not to use it.
At the same time, link PayPal to a separate bank account, containing relatively minimal funds and daily withdrawal limits. As well check statements regularly.
Also, remove or falsify identifiable images, birthdate and other personal details on any social media platform, because they can be the basis of creating false documents or securing loans in your name.
Barry noted the importance of having a stash of cash on hand to cover at least three week's basic living needs. This is necessary because accounts and/or credit/debit cards will be frozen for maybe weeks if your bank detects illegal activity.
He said that despite assurances from providers, there is no totally safe internet or mobile device. “As well, artificial intelligence will take scamming to a whole new level”.
Our Annual General Meeting will be held at Meet and Mingle on Wednesday 20 March 2024 at 10am in the Auditorium of the Benalla Seniors and Community Centre, Fawckner Drive, Benalla. Guest Speaker will be Lou Sigmund who will talk about Chooks. Lou is an entertaining speaker who has previously spoken at Meet and Mingle about Inventions: Successes and Failures. All welcome.
David Palmer
