On-Line Safety

Online Safety and About This Page
Important to use a REALTOR because they are trained in consumer protection.

Title: Empowering the Real Estate Community and Beyond: Your Online Safety Handbook

Introduction: Discover a Vital Resource for the Real Estate Industry and Online Users Globally

Description: In the vast landscape of the internet, where the good coexists with the bad and ugly, equipping yourself with essential knowledge is paramount. Our Public Service Initiative is here to ensure your online safety, security, and education.

Key Message: “Essential Reading for Every Internet User.”

Section 1: Safety and Security Education

Uncover the Dark Side: The internet is teeming with potential risks. Be prepared to navigate the online world safely by understanding the lurking dangers.

Explore the W5 TV Program: We proudly present a valuable resource provided by the W5 TV Program, offering insight into various scams and pitfalls. By staying informed, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to a safer digital environment.

Take Action: Access the Scam Awareness Resources on this page.

Section 2: Empowering the Online Community

Pass It On: We encourage you to share this link with your family, colleagues, and anyone who ventures onto the internet or answers phone calls. Knowledge is power, and we’re here to empower you.

Education Beyond Borders: We believe that the lessons we provide should extend to school curricula, ensuring the next generation grows up equipped to navigate the digital landscape safely.

Section 3: Internet Safety – A Priority

Safety First: Just as we teach people to wear seatbelts for physical safety, we emphasize the importance of online safety education for everyone.

Don’t Risk It: Remember, if you neglect to follow our guidance, you’re “cruisin’ for a bruisin'” in the digital world.

Section 4: Unveiling the Tools

Navigate the Online Jungle: Distinguish the genuine from the fraudulent using Artificial Intelligence and more.

Master the Art: Learn the keywords to detect scams and security threats, and conduct thorough searches on Google and YouTube to find personal experiences and insights.

Conclusion: Your online safety is a priority, and our initiative is here to provide the knowledge and tools you need to protect yourself and others. Join us in making the internet a safer place for everyone.

Positive and negative aspects of the Internet
The Internet encompasses both its positive and negative aspects.

Real estate brokers and salespeople can assist you in utilizing online marketing effectively, but it’s essential to remain vigilant about the potential pitfalls to avoid encountering difficulties.

These professionals receive training in safeguarding consumers, which serves as ongoing education in maintaining online safety.

The real estate professionals provide a level of service that helps you network your real estate opportunities confidentially.

One of the primary services real estate brokers and salespeople offer involves the management and handling of numerous calls, including those from individuals who may not be genuinely interested, marketers, online fraudsters, and information seekers, all with the goal of identifying a qualified buyer or seller for you. Your commission to them is a recognition of the invaluable service they provide in this regard.

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The ICIWorld.com Internet Security, Safety and Protection Page

Public Service for the Real Estate industry and people worldwide from
ICIWorld.com

“Essential reading for everyone who uses the Internet.”

Important to use a REALTOR® because they are trained in consumer protection.
They are trained to qualify all the tire kickers, curiosity seekers, and weed out fraud artists, thiefs and more.
Follow the guidelines of NAR, CREA and other links on this page for customers to provide photo identification, etc.

Everyone can link to this page and circulate it.
https://iciworld.com/security

You can also find this page called Security under Library on the menu at ICIWorld.com
ICIWorld is an association of real estate brokers and salespeople founded on the Internet in 1994.
Specializing in global real estate networking. See $1 Billion in member sales. Call them to help you buy and sell.
Manager and Founder Gary Nusca, CCIM, CIPS, REALTOR, Broker 50 Years. BIO

SUBSCRIBE TO THE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER & REMINDER TO NEVER STOP NETWORKING

The following three links provide information for REALTORS® from their own associations, to protect themselves when meeting people for the first time. The public should become aware that proper ID shold be supplied when asked for by a salesperson meeting for the first time, etc.

CREA Safety Tips

REALTORS® Safety: Practical Tips for Working in Real Estate

NAR Safety
National Association of REALTORS®

REALTOR® Safety Program Resources

Free REALTOR® Safety Month Webinar

56 Safety Tips For REALTORS

56 Safety Tips for REALTORS®

Understanding Canada’s anti-spam and do-not-call rules

On-Line Safety

A Public Service for the Real Estate industry and people worldwide
“Essential reading for everyone who uses the Internet.”
The Internet has the good, the bad and the ugly.

Here are the bad and ugly so you can avoid problems.

Safety Security Education

Real Estate Scam Videos From CTV News

The W5 TV Program provided the following links,
Pages of different scams.

Be aware and you can help yourself stay out of trouble and inform others.

CLICK HERE

W5 provides in-depth journalism to expose many serious issues

I recommend everyone share this with your whole family, friends, colleagues, acquaintenances. Play the W5 videos on your TV for the whole family where appropriate.

I recommend this link to everyone in your family, business colleagues, everyone who uses the Internet or answers the phone where appropriate.

W5 should be a part of a school curriculum where appropriate.

Police departments could step up and be smarter to nip things right away. Here was a failing opportunity to help someone. Details. Investigative correspondent Avery Haines reveals a global criminal organization behind romance scams. Watch the W5 documentary Saturday at 7 p.m. on CTV. This is her account of the tragic consequence resulting from one of these scams.

App for your mobile for real estate brokers to verify peoples identity and on desktop.

We teach people to wear seatbelts and be safe

safety education for everyone who uses the Internet
You are cruisin’ for a bruisin’ if you do not follow up on this.

Link to our security and protection Playlist on YouTube

Potential problems Artificial Intelligence and more

How can you figure out the real thing from fake or fraud?

Learn the keywords to look up scams and security issues and search on both Google and YouTube for links to people’s experiences.

Internet Security For Beginners
As a beginner using the internet, there are some essential security tips you should follow to ensure your safety online:

1. Use strong and unique passwords for each account: Your passwords should be at least eight characters long, and should include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts, as this can increase your risk of being hacked.

2. Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password.

3. Be cautious of phishing scams: Phishing scams are designed to trick you into revealing personal information or clicking on a malicious link. Be wary of unsolicited emails or messages, and never provide personal information unless you are sure it is from a trusted source.

4. Keep your software up to date: Software updates often include security patches to fix known vulnerabilities. Keep your operating system, web browser, and other software up to date to ensure you have the latest security features.

5. Use antivirus software: Antivirus software can help protect your computer from malware and other malicious software. Make sure to keep your antivirus software up to date and perform regular scans.

6. Avoid public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making it easy for hackers to intercept your internet traffic. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities such as online banking or shopping.

7. Be careful what you share online: Be mindful of the information you share online, as it can be used to steal your identity or compromise your security. Avoid sharing personal information such as your full name, address, phone number, or financial information.

By following these security tips, you can help protect yourself and your personal information while using the internet.

Social Media Recommendations for staying safe on social media and avoiding love scams
ChatGPT

Recommendations for staying safe on social media and avoiding love scams involve a combination of education, awareness, and cautious behavior. Here are some tips you can share with people to help them protect themselves:

Be Skeptical: Encourage people to be skeptical of strangers who approach them online, especially if they seem too good to be true. Love scammers often create fake profiles with attractive photos and stories to lure victims.

Guard Personal Information: Advise individuals to avoid sharing sensitive personal information like their home address, phone number, or financial details with people they’ve met on social media.

Verify Identities: Suggest using reverse image searches or other online tools to verify the identity of someone they’re talking to. This can help uncover fake profiles.

Use Privacy Settings: Recommend adjusting privacy settings on social media profiles to limit the amount of personal information that can be viewed by strangers. Encourage users to keep their profiles private, especially if they are not looking to connect with strangers.

Avoid Sending Money: Make it clear that they should never send money or financial assistance to someone they’ve only met online, no matter how convincing their story may be. Love scammers often ask for money for emergencies or to visit in person.

Educate About Red Flags: Educate them about common red flags in love scams, such as fast and intense expressions of love, reluctance to share personal information, and excuses for not meeting in person.

Video Calls: Encourage video calls as a way to verify the identity of the person they are communicating with. Scammers often avoid video calls because it exposes their true identity.

Trust Your Gut: Remind them to trust their instincts. If something feels off or too good to be true, it’s important to step back and reconsider the situation.

Talk to Friends and Family: Encourage users to discuss their online relationships with trusted friends and family members. Sometimes, an outside perspective can spot warning signs that may be overlooked.

Report Suspicious Activity: On most social media platforms, there are mechanisms to report suspicious accounts or activities. Advise them to use these reporting features if they suspect they are dealing with a scammer.

Educate About the Risks: Help people understand that love scams are a real threat and can happen to anyone. By being aware of the risks, they can be more vigilant.

Seek Professional Help: If someone has already fallen victim to a love scam, recommend that they seek help from law enforcement and legal authorities. It’s important to report the scam to prevent others from becoming victims.

By sharing these tips and fostering awareness about the dangers of love scams on social media, you can help people protect themselves and their loved ones from potential harm.

Report: Moscow helping cybercriminals operate

Head of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security Sami Khoury on the report that suggests Moscow is helping cybercriminals operate.

Cyber Seniors

‘I wanted to collapse’: A Canadian grandmother’s journey from romance scam victim to unwitting drug mule

Suzana Thayer’s story began as an investigation into a romance scam. Bilked out of more than $200,000, her search for love took her from the world of online dating to Ethiopia to meet the ‘man of her dreams’ — and eventually to a Hong Kong prison after co…

Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023
W5: Prisoner 14000

Avery Haines speaks with romance scam victim Suzana Thayer about how she got caught up in a drug smuggling scheme that landed her in prison.

More on grandmother scam.
Interrogation of Suzana Thayer, part two

Video obtained by W5 shows the interrogation of Canadian romance scam victim Suzana Thayer in Hong Kong.

Friday, Oct. 6, 2023

Interrogation of Suzana Thayer, part three

Video obtained by W5 shows the interrogation of Canadian romance scam victim Suzana Thayer in Hong Kong.

Friday, Oct. 6, 2023

Interrogation of Suzana Thayer, part one

Video obtained by W5 shows the interrogation of Canadian romance scam victim Suzana Thayer in Hong Kong.

Friday, Oct. 6, 2023

W5: Prisoner 14000, part one

Avery Haines speaks with romance scam victim Suzana Thayer about how she got caught up in a drug smuggling scheme that landed her in prison.

Friday, Oct. 6, 2023

Alta. grandmother avoids falling for grandparent scam

An Alberta senior was targeted by a grandparent scam but avoided becoming a victim by seeing the red flags.

Friday, Oct. 6, 2023

Alberta senior targeted by grandparents scam

An Alberta senior was targeted by a grandparent scam but avoided becoming a victim by seeing the red flags.

Friday, Oct. 6, 2023

‘They get into your head’: 90-year-old Okotoks grandmother Lorraine Crawford thwarts scammers

It’s a growing crime trend that features fraudsters tugging at heartstrings, and already Canadians have lost more money this year, than the previous year, to grandparent scams.

Friday, Oct. 6, 2023

Grandmother accused of drug smuggling speaks out

W5’s Avery Haines shares details of the investigation into a Canadian woman who got swept up in a romance scam.

Friday, Oct. 6, 2023

CTV’s W5 begins season 58 with Prisoner 14000

WATCH: CTV’s W5’s 58th season begins Oct 6 with the story of a woman accused of cocaine smuggling in a romance scam.

Friday, Oct. 6, 2023

Toronto police issue new warning about notorious ‘grandparent scam‘

Police say fraudsters are still calling Toronto seniors and pretending to be their grandchildren in an effort to steal their money in a ruse that cost Canadians nearly $10 million last year.

CNN Asian Gangs

Fraud.org Fraud.org is a project of the National Consumers League (NCL), a nonprofit advocacy organization based in Washington, DC. NCL was founded in 1899 to promote the interests of consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. Over its long history, NCL staff have dedicated themselves to this mission through investigation, public interest advocacy, and consumer education.

With simple knowledge, you can protect yourself and others against the problems of using the Internet.

The Internet is the most amazing marketing and communication medium known to man. However, to use it in a competent, professional and safe manner, there are some things everyone in the world must be aware of, or you can get into serious problems.

Are password strength testers safe?

Search on Google for the words password strength test. You will find several. They will even estimate how long it takes to crack your password. Now when you test it, DO NOT USE YOUR REAL PASSWORDS. Make up fictitious letters, numbers, symbols but same style and you will see the most passwords people use today can be improved.

A password strength checker reveals how resistant passwords are against attempts to crack them. However, do not trust such password tests blindly. Strength meters might not look up passwords in data breaches or fail to consider certain brute-forced hacks.Oct 6, 2022

nar safety (national association of realtors)

On Line Safety For Parents From Kids Health

Top 15 internet safety rules and what not to do online

Online Safety Basics

Toronto District School Board

Links to Important Security Information

with information you may find helpful

Corporate

Timely and Updated information to help protect your online presence.

Microsoft Safety & Security Centre

Reverse Telephone Number Look Up

Safety at Kijiji

ebay & Protecting yourself

Craigslist

Government

National and Federal governments can help with information and reporting.

Canada's Anti Spam Legislation

Internet, Email & Telephone Scams

U.S.A Government Searching On Line Safety

CISA Cyber Awareness System

U.K. Government Avoid and Report Scams

Organisations

These organisations are non government and are either membership or donation driven.

Phone Busters Anti Fraud Call Centre

AARP

Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker Search and Report

Scambusters

Software Protection

These companies offer software to help protect your identity and device security. Some of these are free or have a trial.

I personally use the Geek Squad for computer issues, problems and assistance a service provided by Best Buy. GN.

Security Alerts & Articles

How to avoid becoming victim to real estate fraud

Date : Sat., March 23, 2019
Source : Ask Joe at The Star

LINK TO ARTICLE

Understanding Ransomware

Date : October, 2019
Source : Malwarebytes

LINK TO ARTICLE

Police warn of new twist in phone scam targeting Canadians

Last Updated Friday, October 25, 2019 9:33AM EDT
Source : CTV New Toronto, Ontario

LINK TO ARTICLE

Spam EMail. This is what happens when you reply.

Date : Febrary 1 2016
Source : TED Talks with James Veitch on youtube

Suspicious emails: unclaimed insurance bonds, diamond-encrusted safe deposit boxes, close friends marooned in a foreign country. They pop up in our inboxes, and standard procedure is to delete on sight. But what happens when you reply? Follow along as writer and comedian James Veitch narrates a hilarious, months-long exchange with a spammer who offered to cut him in on a hot deal.

WATCH THE VIDEO : 9 min:48 sec