Netspend Blog

Each year, the IRS releases the Dirty Dozen – a list of the largest tax scams they saw for that year's taxes. The IRS scams list reads like a playbook from the past, with phishing, identity theft, and fake charities making the top 12. These common scams are increasing in complexity, so they require a careful look. In addition to expected appearances, the list is dominated by private, white-collar fraud, including abusive tax shelters, partially-fraudulent business credit applications, and falsified credit claims.

Identity theft is common. So common, in fact, that according to a poll, 60 million Americans were affected in 2018. To fraudsters, data is a valuable commodity, and your risk of exposure happens every time you connect. In addition to more victims having to pay out of pocket for their losses, a significant number of people do not yet use a more secure internet connection. For example, according to VPN Mentor, only 16% of Americans used VPNs (Virtual Privacy Networks) when connected to the internet, and that’s giving identity thieves precisely the breach they need to access lucrative information. To state it simply, VPNs can keep you safer when connected to networks that aren't your own, like public Wi-Fi.

In a world where data breaches are all too common, using a Virtual Account can help protect you from fraudulent charges when you shop online or by phone. If you’re familiar with digital wallets, Virtual Accounts are similar in that they use a digital account number. However, they provide an added level of protection because a Virtual Account is temporary and doesn’t use your main Netspend Card Account number. In fact, not only is the 16-digit card number different, so is the expiration date and 3-digit security code.

Phishing, Nigerian letter fraud, and ransomware are scamming tactics that have been used for years, but they’re capturing new victims through an ever-increasing degree of sophistication. This year, phishing – an attempt to get your sensitive information through seemingly trustworthy electronic communications – accounted for 90% of all data breaches, having grown by 65% in just 12 months.

The upcoming holiday season is the busiest time of the year for many people. While we finalize our gift lists, cyber criminals plan their attacks. In 2017, more shoppers are expected to purchase presents online than ever before. Follow the tips below to stay safe while shopping online.

Chances are you know someone who has been a victim of cybercrime or you’ve been one yourself. Almost half of American adults had their personal information exposed by cybercriminals in 2015, according to the Ponemon Institute.