BBB Tip of the Week: Scam click bait

The Better Business Bureau is warning the public about the dangers of scam Internet click bait and the recently hacked and leaked nude celebrity photos.

Click-bait scams claim to link to current celebrity gossip or photos but instead install malware on your computer or device in order to steal your identity. Or, instead of installing malware, the click bait may take you to a website that asks for personal information that could lead to spam or identity theft.

Click bait scams also take advantage of natural disasters and news stories of national and international tragedies.

The BBB offers the following tips to avoid click bait scams:

• Avoid the bait. Don’t click on sensational promotions or posts, especially those about celebrities, natural disasters or tragedies from unknown sources.

• Delete unsolicited emails and social media posts that raise red flags.

• Don’t click on links for unfamiliar websites. You can hover over the link to see the actual destination. If you are still in doubt, copy the link and perform an online search using the link and the word “scam.”

Before you trust tweets, posts or recommendations for something sensational from friends, consider the possibility that their accounts have been hacked or look-alike accounts have been created.

Before you share a link, tweet or post, verify it. To do this, search online for the promotion or story and the word “scam.”

You can report spam, malware and other abusive content to the following social media sites:

Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/help/ 263149623790594/.

Twitter at https://support. twitter.com/forms.

Instagram at https://help. instagram.com/ 165828726894770/.

To keep your online accounts secure, follow these best practices:

• Use a different, unique password for each account.

• When using a shared computer, log out of any online accounts as soon as you are finished.

• Use two-step verification when offered for your online accounts.

• Download operating system and antivirus updates as soon as they are available, and set your antivirus program to automatically scan your system.

• Discuss cyber security with children and others who may not be aware of online fraud and identity theft.

To report an online scam, contact the BBB at www.bbb.org or call (509) 455-4200.

Erin T. Dodge, BBB editor