The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) is encouraging Yahoo Mail users to take steps to secure their online accounts in light of the recent hacking.
Fraudsters can use the compromised information to access the e-mail account and peruse for personal identifying information and usernames for other online accounts, including those with saved payment information. These scam artists can use inside information, such as the consumer’s name or knowledge of who the consumer does business with, to make their phishing scams seem more legitimate. Follow these tips to protect accounts that could be affected:
– Change your password immediately. Use strong, creative passwords (uppercase, lowercase and special characters) and don’t share them with anyone.
– Don’t use the same passwords for multiple accounts, especially when using your e-mail address as the login name on that site.
– Closely monitor monthly statements and activity for financial accounts saved as payment options on internet merchant sites. Don’t forget online stores and websites used to pay household expenses.
– Watch out for phishing attempts. Asking for personal or sensitive information via a phone call, text or e-mail is a tactic used by scammers. Never reply to texts, pop-ups, or e-mails that ask for verification of personal information.
For information on identity theft or to report a possible scam, please contact SCDCA’s Identity Theft Unit by calling 1-800-922-1594 or visiting www.consumer.sc.gov.