While we’ve become increasingly dependent on technology over the years, these days, we’re relying on it more than ever. From working remotely to ordering more online, our digital connectivity has reached new heights.

Unfortunately, our increased presence in the online world has presented an opportunity for bad actors. According to Nia Duggins with the National Association of REALTORS®, cyber criminals are using this time to broaden the scope of their spoofing, phishing scams, imposter scams and more. Fraudsters are finding and learning about their victims through a variety of avenues, she explains—online, email, text, phone calls, snail mail and social media, which helps them learn more about who you are and your behaviors.

Here are a few of the cyber crimes you should be on the lookout for, according to Duggins:

Government imposter scams. The government assistance provided as a result of the coronavirus has led to cyber criminals posing as government agents from various federal and state agencies. Their goal? To get access to your personal information, such as your Social Security number and banking details. In exchange, they claim to provide assistance with government funding, loans and unemployment benefits.

Charity scams. There has been an outpouring of altruism during these troubling times, which once again, presents a window for fraudsters to prey on victims. In these cases, the criminal will pose as a representative of a well-known charity to lure you into making a donation or garnering your personal information.

Medical scams. Cyber criminals are also taking advantage of the public health situation we are facing by posing as healthcare professionals or medical staff in order to secure personal information. They may even claim to be collecting data for contact tracing or that they have information about coronavirus vaccines.

To remain vigilant and help stave off a cyber scam:

- A government agency will usually only contact you by postal mail. Phone and email contact are very rare. In all cases, be fastidious about screening calls and correspondence that seem unfamiliar or suspicious.
- Get informed by seeking out educational resources and tools available from government agencies, such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
- If you receive suspicious contact from someone claiming to be a government or other representative, do an online search of the phone number or messaging they’re using. This can often reveal this activity as a common scam.
- Contact your local authorities, and your bank if a financial transaction was compromised, if you believe you were the victim of cyber fraud. Time is of the essence in preventing further damage.