Cyber-Safety Tips

Cybersecurity isn’t an app or subscription service — it’s a way of life!

Most scammers and hackers don’t try to trick machines — they focus on tricking us! That means we must be our best line of defense!

Public Advisory: AI "Deepfake" Impersonation

Members of the public are advised to watch for fraudulent communications that use artificial intelligence (AI) to impersonate law enforcement personnel through video, audio, photographs, or other electronic communications. This technology, commonly referred to as a “deepfake,” can realistically imitate a person’s appearance, facial movements, and voice.

If you receive an unsolicited video call, video message, or other communication from someone claiming to be a member of law enforcement, particularly if the individual requests money or personal or financial information, do not engage with the individual or comply with the request.

Law enforcement will never solicit money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, payment, passwords, banking information, or other sensitive financial informationsolicit money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, payment, passwords, banking information, or other sensitive financial information through a video call, social media, text message, or other unsolicited electronic communication.

If you believe you have been contacted by someone fraudulently impersonating law enforcement:

End the communication immediately.
Do not provide personal or financial information or send money.
Preserve evidence, including screenshots, messages, usernames, telephone numbers, email addresses, and recordings.
Report suspected criminal activity to your local law enforcement agency.
Report internet-enabled fraud to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Visit the FBI Identity Theft & Fraud Resources webpage

Visit the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center webpage

Remember: The fact that you can see or hear someone on a video call does not necessarily mean the person is who they claim to be.

Quick Tips

You can beef up your cybersecurity right away by:

Using unique passwords across your accounts — protect your other accounts from one stolen password!
Enabling multifactor authentication — adds another layer of defense!
Steer clear of untrusted websites and be skeptical
Enable automatic updates for your applications and devices — this keeps you protected from bugs and exploits used by hackers
Assume public wi-fi is dangerous; don’t handle any sensitive info on an unknown, public network!

The biggest threat to most of us is PHISHING. Hackers and scammers will use everything to trick us into giving up our passwords: they’ll send fake websites; they’ll play into our fears; they’ll pretend to be our family and friends.

Tips for Kids While Online

Never agree to meet an online friend.
Never give out your email address online.
Never share your password with anyone.
When online, act responsibly and ethically.
The internet should never be used for gossip, bullying, or threats.

Be A Scam Spotter

Avoid too-good-to-be-true’s. If it doesn’t seem real, it’s probably a scam.

Watch out for spelling mistakes, grammar problems, and weird email addresses.

If someone claims to be someone you know, double-check with a known phone number or email address.

Never ever give passwords and private info to untrusted sources.

Don’t install unverified software; double-check with a google search or a trusted reviewer to ensure what you’re downloading is safe!

Identity Theft and Online Security

How to protect your personal information and privacy, stay safe online, and help your kids do the same. Visit the Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Advice page for the latest on protecting your data.

I'm A Victim of an Internet Crime

You may file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) if you believe you have been the victim of an Internet crime or if you want to file on behalf of another person you believe has been such a victim.

The State of California's Department of Justice website contains additional information as well. Visit their Report a Crime webpage for even more resources.

Additional Info