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Scams & Personal Security

Phishing, Cybersecurity & Personal Identity

Unfortunately, a national crisis like COVID-19 brings additional opportunities for scams and threats to your identity. We've put together this list of credible sources for you to provide credible information for protecting yourself and your family members. Working with a trusted financial professional provides a first line of defense against fraud and scams. NAIFA members pledge to abide by NAIFA's Code of Ethics and always look out for clients' best interests.

Safe Sources You Can Trust

Coronavirus-Related Resources

• The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Investor Alert, "Look Out for Coronavirus-Related Investment Scams."
  
  
• The Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) article, "Defending Against COVID-19 Cyber Scams," has good information.
  
  
• The Federal Trade Commission's "Coronavirus Scams" page provides general advice and links to other sources.
  
  
• The FTC article "Online security tips for working from home" is also valuable.
  
  
• Don't believe everything you hear. Check out FEMA's Rumor Control page to learn what's real or not.
  
  
• NAIC's article outlining scams to be aware of while you work from home

General Cybersecurity Resources

• The National Association of Insurance Commissioners' "Principles for Effective Cybersecurity."
  
  
• This report from PwC looks at consumer attitudes about cybersecurity and why it's important to your practice.
  
  
• The FBI's Cybercrimes webpage has a lot of information on common scams and how to protect yourself and your business.
  
  
• You can look to sources such as Norton for articles on email phishing scams.
  
  
• Stay Safe Online from the National Cyber Security Alliance has helpful resources on staying safe online, protecting your identity and theft/fraud of your identity.
  
  

Current Scams to Be Aware Of

• Tripwire provides a weekly scam roundup  to give you one-stop shopping for what you need to know.
  
  
• The FTC regularly updates its Scam Alerts page on the web.
  
  

Report Wrongdoing

• The Department of Justice asks you to report any fraud you might suspect arising from COVID-19.
  
  
• If you have been inundated with robocalls, spam emails or people impersonating legitimate authorities, report it to the FTC.
  
  
• You may also report suspected cybercrimes to the FBI.