With the rise in online scams in recent years, the WVU Police Department has compiled cyber safety and online shopping tips to help you avoid scams this holiday season:
- When browsing online, make sure all security measures on your device are up-to-date, and use strong and unique passwords for each online account you hold. Be careful connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. Do not conduct any sensitive transactions or access any banking information while on a public network.
- Do not open emails from people you do not know. If you are unsure, contact the sender directly by other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe. You should review the sender of each email to ensure it comes from a legitimate source.
- Think before you pay. Don’t wire money, send cash or use gift cards or cryptocurrency to pay someone who has sent you a sudden “urgent request.” Scammers ask you to pay these ways because it’s hard to track that money and almost impossible for you to get it back.
- Don’t give your financial or other personal information to someone who calls, texts or emails and says they’re with the government, police or other enforcement agency. If you think a call or message could be real, stop. Hang up the phone and call the agency directly at a number you know is legitimate.
- Don’t trust your caller ID. Your caller ID might show the government agency’s real phone number or even say “Social Security Administration,” for example, but caller ID can be faked. It could be anyone calling from anywhere in the world.
- Take advantage of tracking information and other shipping supplier services. Schedule packages to arrive when you or someone you trust will be present.
- Whenever possible, request that your shipments require a signature for delivery, and opt in for shipping insurance for more expensive items.
- Consider other delivery options such as Amazon Lockers for Amazon purchases if you live in a high-traffic area and are not home during typical delivery times. For WVU students living in residence halls, additional mail-related resources can be found online.
- Install a doorbell security camera for extra peace of mind to know who may be at your residence, especially when you are away. In the event of package theft, doorbell cameras can serve as a deterrent to anyone who may be thinking of stealing your package. If they steal your package, you have video evidence to provide to the police.
Download the LiveSafe app and turn on push notifications for direct and discreet two-way communication with police. To receive alerts about emergencies and incidents on or near campus, register for the WVU Alert system.