Security Tips

Stay vigilant to protect your identity and your financial information. Here's how.

We seem to hear about a new online scam nearly every week. While the internet has changed the world for the better in many ways, there is a downside. Online scams are still widely prevalent, and despite the misconception that they are primarily a concern for senior citizens, a recent study by the FTC found that more millennials than retirees are now getting scammed out of money online. Everyone can be susceptible to these acts if they are not cautious. In 2020 so far, Nebraska has had over 2,000 reports of identity theft .

At Prime Royale, protecting your money and personal information is a top priority. That’s why we’ve outlined how to spot the latest online scams and how you can protect yourself with these internet safety tips.

Facebook Scams

The Better Business Bureau warns about online fraud happening within Facebook. It starts with a “friend or relative” who contacts you through Facebook saying you are entitled to free money. These can come from fake profiles or hacked accounts. The catch? You need to pay up front for shipping or processing or provide other sensitive information that can be used for identity theft.

Follow these tips to avoid a Facebook hack or scam:

Don’t give out your password (and don’t use the same password for multiple accounts)
Use a secured network, not public Wi-Fi, when signing into any accounts (especially your bank account)
Keep apps, browsers and antivirus software updated

Scam Websites

The old phrase “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is” certainly applies to shopping online. Fake shopping websites have been popping up lately, aiming to scam you out of your hard-earned money. Pay attention to these red flags, which will help tip you off to a fake website or online store:

Bad English and/or poor website design
Super-low prices that seem too good to be true
Bootleg logo, store name and/or URL (e.g. “you-pay-less-4-mac-stuff.com” or a site with a URL that’s one or two letters off from a legitimate domain)
Inability to accept credit or debit card payments
Reviews that sound suspicious or inauthentic

How can you protect yourself from fake shopping websites?

If you are wary of a fake site, run it through Google’s Transparency tool or the BBB’s Scam Tracker
Only purchase items online using a secured network
Check to be sure the web address begins with “https,” indicating your personal and payment information is encrypted
Use two-factor authentication for paying online

Texting Scams or "Smishing"

You’re likely familiar with phishing scams—fake emails that look to be sent from legitimate companies—but have you heard of a similar tactic called smishing? Smishing scams involve fraudulent text messages that seem urgent and indicate something is wrong. These messages prompt you to click a link, send sensitive personal information or reply to the text to resolve a serious situation. They may also promise free gifts or offers in exchange for personal information. So how should you handle a text message you think may be spam?

Don’t reply or click any links
Email the company through our contact channels
Delete the text

Work-from-home scams: There are number of ways to make money online but also a lot of traps, as listed by The Penny Hoarder. Watch out for jobs that require you to pay in order to start work and those that sound too good to be true.
Cryptocurrency accounts: These scams offer you accounts to deposit your bitcoin or other cryptocurrency, with promises of doubling or tripling your money.
Generate passive income with our system: This scam sells you a “proven system” to help you become an overnight financial success. Typically, these are loaded with fake testimonials and bogus information.

If you suspect you’ve become a victim of fraud or identity theft, contact Prime Royale right away by contacting us on info@prime-royale.com or visiting one of our branches. Report suspicious activity, and all other fraud immediately.