Online Senior Safety Quiz – Edmonton Neighbourhood Watch

CYBER CRIME

Questions Part 1/2

Q1: How can we identify potential fraudulent scams to protect ourselves?

If you are contacted by someone you do not know
If you are asked to provide financial information
If you are asked to act quickly
All of the above

Q1: Explanation

Scams are designed to trick you into giving away money or personal information. If you suspect you've come across a scam, report it promptly to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501). If you have already given away your information and are facing theft, contact Edmonton Police Services immediately.

Q2: Which of the following should you do if you receive an unsolicited email asking for your bank account information?

Reply with your account number immediately
Report the sender and delete the email, do not reply or share any personal information
Click on any links provided in the email

Q2: Explanation

Unfamiliar emails that appear to be official but have incorrect spelling or information are a common way to steal citizen’s data. If you are unsure if the email is legitimate, call a verified number found online by the email's sender to check.

Q3: What are the red flags to notice when a scammer is impersonating my grandchild/relative/friend?

The “grandchild/relative/friend” is in trouble and is demanding money right away
The “grandchild/relative/friend” is unable to give specific details about their situation or answer personal verification questions
The “grandchild/relative/friend” requests for you to keep the transaction a secret
All of the above

Q3: Explanation

Using scare tactics is one of the main ways scammers will manipulate you in order to receive your personal information. Read through the Edmonton Police Service website’s overview of “Signs of a Scam''. (https://www.edmontonpolice.ca/CrimePrevention/PersonalFamilySafety/Frauds/ScamSigns)

Q4: What is artificial intelligence (A.I) and how is it used in fraud?

AI stands for "Artificial Insects" and is used to create pests in agriculture
AI stands for "Artificial Intelligence" and can be used to create fake personas for collecting victim information, source leaked usernames and passwords to access private accounts, or to target cyber security vulnerabilities
AI stands for "All-Inclusive" and is used in fake travel booking websites to trick consumers looking for comprehensive vacation packages

Q4: Explanation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in computers and machines. It is now being used in fraud because of its capacity to analyze large datasets quickly, learning and adapting to new schemes.

Q5: What exactly is ‘phishing’?

The activity of trying to catch fish
A method where a criminal poses as a reliable person or respectable company in order to solicit sensitive information
Looking through spam emails

Q5: Explanation

Phishing consists of fraudulent emails or links through text message to appear as a legitimate company in order for you to click it to take your personal information (such as bank logins, passwords, credit/debit card details). Inform yourself by reviewing the Edmonton Police Services overview of online scams. https://www.edmontonpolice.ca/CrimePrevention/PersonalFamilySafety/Frauds/OnlineScams

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