Consumers are becoming more aware of cybersecurity and fraud. With that awareness, more and more people want to find out about scams and to learn how to better protect themselves. There are a few areas where consumer engagement is highest. We are watching these trends to make sure we have the best information and advice available to answer your questions.
We launched Cyber Aware to strengthen data and privacy security awareness to help consumers combat bad guys. In the past year, nearly one million consumers have used our website to learn about a variety of topics. They’ve looked at the blogs, alerts, tips and resources nearly two million times.
Here’s what we learned – what we heard from you – are the topics you most want to know about when it comes to fraud and cybersecurity.
SPOOFING
The top trend on Cyber Aware recently has been consumer interest in spoofing. Spoofing is the term used when referring to phone scams where bad guys change the number that appears on Caller ID to trick you into answering the call.
Michael K. shared this with us:
I received a phone call from myself. When I answered it was a robo-call voice that said I had been awarded $50 credit on my account. They instructed me to dial one to speak to a representative to claim this credit. This sounded like a scam, so I hung up and came to this site to report it.”
The information and tips in this blog can help you find answers to questions you may have. The video on neighbor and reflection spoofing gives a closer look at these specific scams.
FRAUD & SCAMS
Many consumers came to Cyber Aware for general information on fraud and scams, and to find our tips to better protect themselves. Others wanted to learn more about specific scams. We heard many consumers wanted to know about pre-paid card scams, IRS tax scams, and catfishing scams, so we shared important information.
Terry T. reported this scam attempt:
A fraud call to my cellphone: a computer type voice says it is the U.S. government filing a suit to my name and tax number and gives a phone number to call back.
ROBOCALLS & CALL BLOCKING
The desire to prevent unwanted and automated calls, or Robocalls, continues to be a high interest item for consumers. Unwanted robocalls continue to be the largest source of consumer complaints to the FCC and the FTC. Many of you found information about the National Do Not Call List on our site.
Fernando P. told us this:
“I receive numerous robocalls. Some leave voicemail with various messages from legal actions to time share offers. I use a call blocker app to monitor and block these numbers…”
AT&T blocks or labels about 1 billion robocalls per month by using data analytics, network intelligence and customer reports to identify unwanted robocalls. Fraud calls are blocked from reaching your phone, and suspected spam is labeled so you can choose to answer or not. Learn more about our robocall blocking efforts and how you can better protect yourself here.
Along with these topics, many consumers looked for information on password security, work from home guidance and general ways to keep themselves safer.
Customers also looked for information on AT&T products, such as AT&T Call Protect, which are part of AT&T ActiveArmorSM, our combination of 24/7 network protection, built-in security technology and additional security apps to help stop threats before they get to you.
We will continue to provide you with the latest information on fraud and cybersecurity topics. If there is a topic or trend you would like to learn about, or there is additional information others could benefit from, please let us know.