The Dark Side of the Internet

Protect Yourself From Online Scams and Digital Attacks 

In today’s digital age, online scams and cyber attacks are becoming more frequent, posing risks to everyday users. Let’s discuss how you can safeguard yourself from these digital attackers. Realize that the elderly are the most targeted group for online scammers, so be sure to alert your elderly loved ones so they are armed with the knowledge to protect themselves. Since I’m writing this article on May 4th, also known as “Star Wars Day,” I’ll refer to the bad guys as the “Dark Side.” May the Force be with you!

7 Tips to Protect Yourself From the Dark Side

Navigating the internet safely requires vigilance and knowledge about potential threats. Here are some essential steps to protect yourself from cyber threats and ensure your digital presence remains secure.

  1. Verify who you’re interacting with and confirm the identity of anyone asking for personal details online. Scammers often pretend to be from a trusted company. If you receive an email or message that looks suspicious or feels just a little off, contact that company directly using information from their official website.
  2. Create strong passwords. This is crucial. Your passwords should be long, unique, and include a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using common words or sequences that can be easily guessed. Additionally, use different passwords for different sites. A password manager can help you generate and manage secure passwords.
  3. Only click on links or attachments if you know who the sender is. Clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources can be dangerous. These can lead to fake websites designed to steal your information or install malware on your device. Never click a link sent to you via email or text without verifying that the sender is a real friend or company you are doing business with.
  4. Keep your software and devices updated. Regular updates help fix security vulnerabilities. Also, antivirus software should be used to protect against malware and other threats.
  5. Educate yourself about the types of scams that exist. These include phishing emails that ask for personal information or offer too-good-to-be-true deals. Being aware is your first line of defense.
  6. If you get a call from a bank, government agency, or even a child or grandchild asking for money or gift cards for any reason, tell the caller you will call them back. Hang up, call your child or grandchild directly, OR the bank or government agency, and find out if they were actually calling you. As an added measure, with your family, have a family “code word” that must be spoken out loud in the event of an emergency.
  7. MOST IMPORTANT: Never give anyone remote access to your computer unless it is from a reliable and vetted tech support company you have engaged proactively. This means you called the tech support line on the company’s website directly and initiated the request for support. Scammers will pretend they are from your bank and tell you they need to access your computer to resolve your account problem. Do not fall for it!

The Dark Side Won This Time, Now What?

Even after taking all these measures, sometimes the bad guys get away with it and scam you or a loved one. If you think you’ve fallen victim to a scam, it’s important to act quickly. Immediately inform your bank or relevant service provider if you’ve shared any sensitive information. They can take steps to protect your account. You should also update your passwords right away, especially if you believe they may have been compromised. Again, ensure your new passwords are strong and unique. You may also want to report the scam to the alleged sender so they know someone is impersonating them and can take protective measures themselves. And, if applicable, report the scam to the relevant online platform or even the local police, consumer protection agencies, or internet crime complaint centers.

Rest Easy Knowing We Have Your Back

At Cris Carter Law, we don’t just give legal advice; we’re your trusted advisor for life. If you’ve been scammed, we can help you set up your affairs in such a way that there are layers of protection built in so it doesn’t happen again. If your elderly parents don’t have an estate plan in place – or it’s been a while since they had it reviewed – we are here for them, too. We can help them protect not only their data but also everything they want to pass on to you.


Mexican Street Corn Flatbread

Ingredients:

  • All-purpose flour, for dusting
  • 1 lb. pizza dough, room temperature
  • 1/2 c. sour cream
  • 1/4 c. mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp. fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder, plus more for sprinkling
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 c. corn kernels (preferably fresh)
  • 1 c. shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 c. (or more) crumbled cotija cheese
  • Chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges, for serving

Directions:

  1. Arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 425°. Lightly dust 2 baking sheets with flour.
  2. On a lightly floured work surface, divide dough into 2 balls. Stretch or roll each ball to a rectangle about 12″-by-6″. Transfer to prepared baking sheets.
  3. In a small bowl, stir sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, lime juice, chili powder, and salt. Remove 1/4 cup sauce and reserve.
  4. Divide remaining sauce between 2 flatbreads. Top flatbreads with corn, mozzarella, cotija, and a sprinkle of chili powder.
  5. Bake, rotating sheets from top and bottom after 10 minutes, until flatbreads are crisp on the bottom and browned and bubbling on top, 15 to 20 minutes. 
  6. Drizzle flatbreads with reserved dressing, sprinkle with cilantro and more cotija, if desired, and squeeze fresh lime juice on top. 
  7. Enjoy!

Delish – Mexican Street Corn Flatbread