October 2024

A person holding two metallic masks in front of their face, symbolizing identity theft and the disguises used by cybercriminals to steal personal and employee information.

October 24, 2024

Identity Theft Protection for Employees: A Halloween Warning

Brian Thompson Employee Benefits, Identity Theft, Scams

Halloween is almost here. While your employees might pick out costumes and masks, Identity Thieves also plan to disguise themselves. But unlike a Halloween costume, a stolen identity causes real damage, and the effects last long after the candy is gone. As HR directors and business owners, protecting your employees is an obvious concern. A focus on identity theft protection for employees helps ensure bad guys don’t wreak havoc on your team. With identity theft cases rising by over 45%, now is the time to act (source: FTC). The scariest threats this Halloween aren’t the ones knocking at your door—they’re online, hiding behind fake identities. How Identity Thieves Wear Digital Masks: Protecting Employees’ Data On Halloween, we expect strangers to wear masks. But what about those who mask themselves in your employees’ identities? Cybercriminals are experts at stealing credentials. They use these stolen identities to access personal accounts, sensitive information, […]

Devastated neighborhood after a hurricane with debris scattered around, damaged homes, and a prominent 'Beware of Scams' sign warning of fraud targeting disaster victims.

October 3, 2024

Protect Yourself from Post-Hurricane Scams: How to Spot and Avoid Disaster Fraud After Hurricane Helene

Brian Thompson Identity Theft, Scams

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, communities are beginning the long and difficult task of recovery. Sadly, just as the waters recede, the damage is assessed and homes and lives are rebuilt, another wave of disaster is hitting the victims: post-hurricane scams. These fraudulent criminals exploit the chaos and desperation following natural disasters, preying on people who are trying to rebuild their lives. Similar scams have been witnessed after hurricanes like Katrina, Harvey, and Ida, and now we see them again with Helene. Common Post-Hurricane Scams and Crimes 1. Fake Charity Scams After major disasters, fraudulent charities often emerge, posing as organizations that will provide aid to victims. With Hurricane Helene, authorities are already reporting an uptick in these scams, where fraudsters use names resembling well-known charities to solicit donations. Recent Example: Following Hurricane Helene, several fake fundraising efforts have appeared online and through unsolicited phone calls. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued warnings […]