Trend Micro Check</a> to detect scams with ease!</li>\r\n</ul>"}},{"_template":"Articles\\ImageText","_identifier":"block-56431","data":{"image":"https://whitelabel-manager-production.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbs/09-aa8cf.png_900x.png","text":"http://<p>Trend Micro Check is an all-in-one <strong>browser extension</strong> for detecting scams, phishing attacks, malware, and dangerous links — and it’s FREE!</p>\r\n<p>After you’ve pinned Trend Micro Check, it will block dangerous sites automatically! It’s available on <strong>Safari, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge</strong>.</p>\r\n<p>Check out <a href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://news.trendmicro.com/2021/07/06/surf-the-web-safely-with-trend-micro-check//">this page</a> for more information on Trend Micro Check.</p>","reverseOrder":false}},{"_template":"Articles\\Text","_identifier":"block-56445","data":{"text":"<ul>\r\n<li>Don’t forget to add an extra layer of protection to your device with Trend Micro <a href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://api.link.trendmicro.com/events/landing-page?product_id=6c217&source=blog\%22>Maximum Security</a>! It includes Web Threat Protection, Ransomware Protection, Anti-phishing, and Anti-spam Protection to help you combat scams and cyberattacks. Click the button below to give it a try:</li>\r\n</ul>"}},{"_template":"Articles\\ButtonGroup","_identifier":"block-56458","data":{"buttons":[{"_template":"Articles\\Button","_identifier":"block-56459","data":{"text":"Get Maximum Security","link":"https://api.link.trendmicro.com/events/landing-page?product_id=6c217&source=blog"}},{"_template":"Articles\\Button","_identifier":"block-56473","data":{"text":"Get Trend Micro Check (It's free!)","link":"https://api.link.trendmicro.com/events/landing-page?product_id=4cc29&source=blog"}}]}},{"_template":"Articles\\Text","_identifier":"block-56487","data":{"text":"<p>As ever, if you’ve found this article an interesting and/or helpful read, please do <strong>SHARE</strong> with friends and family to help keep the online community secure and protected.</p>"}}],"sidebarBlocks":[{"_template":"Small\\Content\\Cta","_identifier":"block-157084","data":{"title":"Report a Scam!","consumer":null,"description":"Have you fallen for a hoax, bought a fake product? Report the site and warn others!","image":"https://files.scamadviser.com/thumbs/tell-your-story-8910e.png_200x200.png","button":"Report a Scam!","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/leave-review"}},{"_template":"Small\\Content\\Taxonomy","_identifier":"block-157123","data":{"title":"Scam Categories","taxonomies":[{"id":7,"name":"Scam Alerts (1025)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/scam-alerts"},{"id":6,"name":"Scam Trends (372)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/scam-trends"},{"id":8,"name":"Global Scam Country Guide (44)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/global-scam-country-guide"},{"id":87,"name":"Product Reviews (43)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/product-reviews"},{"id":88,"name":"Fact Check (43)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/fact-check"},{"id":3,"name":"News about Scamadviser (42)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/news-about-scamadviser"},{"id":5,"name":"Reliable Sites (37)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/reliable-sites"},{"id":1,"name":"Tips & Support (32)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/tips-support"},{"id":2,"name":"Research & Reports (26)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/research-reports"},{"id":4,"name":"Advice for Companies (2)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/advice-for-companies"}]}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Heading","_identifier":"block-59407","data":{"align":"left","text":"Help & Info","size":"large"}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157795","data":{"articles":[{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157824","data":{"title":"Scam Alerts","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/scam-alerts","icon":"fa-exclamation-triangle","bgImage":"https://files.scamadviser.com/uploads/img-scam-alert-f348b.svg"}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157839","data":{"title":"Learn Scams","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/scam-trends","icon":"fa-tags","bgImage":"https://files.scamadviser.com/uploads/img-learn-scam-737a6.svg"}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157854","data":{"title":"Reliable Sites","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/reliable-sites","icon":"fa-check-circle","bgImage":"https://files.scamadviser.com/uploads/img-website-213fb.svg"}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157869","data":{"title":"Advices","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/advice-for-companies","icon":"fa-comment","bgImage":"https://files.scamadviser.com/uploads/img-advice-f32d8.svg"}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157884","data":{"title":"Studies","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/research-reports","icon":"fa-search","bgImage":"https://files.scamadviser.com/uploads/img-report-ebc61.svg"}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-161131","data":{"title":"Global Scams","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/global-scam-country-guide","icon":"fa-globe","bgImage":"https://files.scamadviser.com/uploads/img-global-scam-005ad.svg"}}],"buttonText":"See all","buttonLink":"https://www.scamadviser.com/help-info"}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Heading","_identifier":"block-167997","data":{"align":"left","text":"Top Safety Picks","size":"large"}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Lists","_identifier":"block-167811","data":{"heading":"Your Go-To Tools for Online Safety","hint":"Disclaimer: Some of the links here are affiliate links. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.","description":null,"listItems":[{"_template":"Default\\Items\\ListItem","_identifier":"block-167891","data":{"title":"ScamAdviser App - iOS","titleUrl":"https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scamadviser/id6480509109","linkTarget":"1","text":"Your personal scam detector, on the go! Check website safety, report scams, and get instant alerts. Available on iOS"}},{"_template":"Default\\Items\\ListItem","_identifier":"block-167944","data":{"title":"ScamAdviser App - Android","titleUrl":"https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tech.scamadviser","linkTarget":"1","text":"Your personal scam detector, on the go! Check website safety, report scams, and get instant alerts. 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Reclaim your privacy now!"}}]}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Heading","_identifier":"block-59517","data":{"align":"left","text":"Popular Stories","size":"large"}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Blogs","_identifier":"block-59530","data":{"items":[{"id":1406,"title":"7 Best VPN Services for Security, Speed, and Privacy","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/7-best-vpn-services-for-security-speed-and-privacy","excerpt":"In a nutshell: A good VPN protects your privacy with strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and fast protocols like WireGuard. The best VPNs also offer wide server coverage, leak protection, and easy-to-use apps for all devices. For 2025, the top providers are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, and Mullvad—each excelling in speed, security, or value.\r\n\r\nIn an age where every click is tracked, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is no longer just a luxury—it's an essential tool for digital privacy and security. A VPN works by creating a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, masking your real IP address and protecting your sensitive data from prying eyes.\r\nBut with hundreds of providers out there, how do you sort the secure from the suspect? This guide breaks down the non-negotiable features of a quality VPN and highlights the 7 top-rated services for 2025.\r\nWhat to Look for in a Good VPN: The 4 Non-Negotiable Pillars\r\n1. Ironclad Security Features\r\n\r\nStrong Encryption: AES-256, the gold standard.\r\nSecure Protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard, NordLynx, Lightway. Avoid PPTP.\r\nKill Switch: Ensures no accidental IP leaks.\r\nLeak Protection: Covers DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC.\r\n\r\n2. Verified Privacy Practices\r\n\r\nNo-Logs Policy: No activity or metadata tracking.\r\nIndependent Audits: Verification by third parties.\r\nSafe Jurisdiction: Prefer countries outside the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances.\r\n\r\n3. High-Speed Performance\r\n\r\nFast Protocols: WireGuard and equivalents.\r\nLarge Server Network: Less crowding, more reliable speeds.\r\n\r\n4. Essential Usability Features\r\n\r\nMulti-Device Apps: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, routers.\r\nSimultaneous Connections: One account, many devices.\r\nUnblocking Power: Netflix, Hulu, BBC ","buttonText":"Read more","renderAsInertiaLink":false},{"id":1475,"title":"Data Breach Victim? Your Emergency Action Plan Starts Now","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/data-breach-victim-your-emergency-action-plan-starts-now","excerpt":"How to Protect Yourself and Your Family After a Data Breach\r\nWhen Your Data Falls Into the Wrong Hands\r\nJust received that terrifying notification? Or perhaps you've noticed suspicious activity in your accounts? Take a deep breath. A data breach, the unauthorized access or exposure of sensitive, protected, or confidential data, is a deeply unsettling event. It can plunge you into a world of worry, bringing risks from financial losses and identity theft to significant emotional distress and reputational damage.\r\nThe numbers don't lie: according to a 2024 report, the number of data breach victim notices has grown by a staggering 211% year-over-year. This isn't just a distant threat; it's a stark reality many individuals face. This year alone, we've seen major organizations like Adidas and Qantas grapple with high-profile data breaches, affecting countless customers. This underscores a critical truth: nobody is untouchable. 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Do you have an account with Bank of America (BofA)? Have you ever received text messages from BofA that instruct you to click on an attached link? Beware: DON’T click on anything — you could end up exposing your credentials!
Common Bank of America Scams
Scammers will pose as Bank of America and send text messages and/or emails with phishing links, using various excuses to do so.
1. Fake Security Alert / EDD
For example, they falsely claim that your account has been restricted due to some security issue.
Source: Reddit
- Bank Of America Alerts: Your debit access has been restricted due to transfers attempts. see here: <URL>
- B.0.A: We locked your debit due to irregular activity. Please visit <URL> to unlock
Alternatively, they will try and trick you into visiting the link in order to reactivate your EDD (Employment Development Department) prepaid debit card:
Source: Reddit
- BANK OF AMERICA EDD: Your Bank of America EDD Prepaid Debit Card has been temporarily suspended and requires verification to activate. Please click the link below to re-activate your Bank of America EDD Prepaid Card to continue using <URL>
The scammers’ goal is to steal your personal information. After prompting you to confirm the security status of the account, they will lead you to a fake login page. The credentials you submit here will end up in the scammers’ hands, which they can use to enter your account and take all your money. Don’t let them!
Source: Reddit
2. Fake Gifts / Offers
In other instances, scammers use free offers and gifts as a lure. Promising you some prize, scammers will prompt you to click on the link that leads to phishing websites (most of the time they are fake online survey pages).
Source: Reddit
- <Subject:ftktz>Bank Of America Hurry up! Offers Have arrived! ($$9O value). /.//storage[.]googleapis[.]com/
Fake reward scams also circulate in phishing emails:
Source: Reddit
- Bank of Amerix Congratulations, this email has only been sent to 10 customers in your area. In this way, we would like to thanks you for being here for us. You are one of the current customers to win an exclusive reward <Confirm Here> Please tell us about your Bank of Americ experiencer and as a thank you, you can select from several exclusive offer rewards! start now
3. Fake Shipment Notification
Scammers also target those who sell things online. They will impersonate potential buyers and send an email to the seller, instructing them to send the goods, falsely claiming that they have already paid with Zelle. (Of course, they’ve never paid a cent, and your goods will vanish with no trace!)

Source: Reddit
How to Protect Yourself
- Double-check the sender’s mobile number/email address.
- Free gifts or prizes are always a major red flag.
- Turn to the bank’s official website to confirm any details regarding your benefit payments.
- NEVER click links or attachments from unknown sources. Use Trend Micro Check to detect scams with ease!
http://
Trend Micro Check is an all-in-one browser extension for detecting scams, phishing attacks, malware, and dangerous links — and it’s FREE!
After you’ve pinned Trend Micro Check, it will block dangerous sites automatically! It’s available on Safari, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge.
Check out this page for more information on Trend Micro Check.
- Don’t forget to add an extra layer of protection to your device with Trend Micro Maximum Security! It includes Web Threat Protection, Ransomware Protection, Anti-phishing, and Anti-spam Protection to help you combat scams and cyberattacks. Click the button below to give it a try:
As ever, if you’ve found this article an interesting and/or helpful read, please do SHARE with friends and family to help keep the online community secure and protected.
Report a Scam!
Have you fallen for a hoax, bought a fake product? Report the site and warn others!
Your Go-To Tools for Online Safety
- ScamAdviser App - iOS : Your personal scam detector, on the go! Check website safety, report scams, and get instant alerts. Available on iOS
- ScamAdviser App - Android : Your personal scam detector, on the go! Check website safety, report scams, and get instant alerts. Available on Android.
- NordVPN : NordVPN keeps your connection private and secure whether you are at home, traveling, or streaming from another country. It protects your data, blocks unwanted ads and trackers, and helps you access your paid subscriptions anywhere. Try it Today!
- Incogni : Incogni automatically removes your personal data from data brokers that trade in personal information online, helping reduce scam and identity theft risks without the hassle of manual opt-outs. Reclaim your privacy now!
In a nutshell: A good VPN protects your privacy with strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and fast protocols like WireGuard. The best VPNs also offer wide server coverage, leak protection, and easy-to-use apps for all devices. For 2025, the top providers are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, and Mullvad—each excelling in speed, security, or value.
In an age where every click is tracked, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is no longer just a luxury—it's an essential tool for digital privacy and security. A VPN works by creating a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, masking your real IP address and protecting your sensitive data from prying eyes.
But with hundreds of providers out there, how do you sort the secure from the suspect? This guide breaks down the non-negotiable features of a quality VPN and highlights the 7 top-rated services for 2025.
What to Look for in a Good VPN: The 4 Non-Negotiable Pillars
1. Ironclad Security Features
Strong Encryption: AES-256, the gold standard.
Secure Protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard, NordLynx, Lightway. Avoid PPTP.
Kill Switch: Ensures no accidental IP leaks.
Leak Protection: Covers DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC.
2. Verified Privacy Practices
No-Logs Policy: No activity or metadata tracking.
Independent Audits: Verification by third parties.
Safe Jurisdiction: Prefer countries outside the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances.
3. High-Speed Performance
Fast Protocols: WireGuard and equivalents.
Large Server Network: Less crowding, more reliable speeds.
4. Essential Usability Features
Multi-Device Apps: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, routers.
Simultaneous Connections: One account, many devices.
Unblocking Power: Netflix, Hulu, BBC
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family After a Data Breach
When Your Data Falls Into the Wrong Hands
Just received that terrifying notification? Or perhaps you've noticed suspicious activity in your accounts? Take a deep breath. A data breach, the unauthorized access or exposure of sensitive, protected, or confidential data, is a deeply unsettling event. It can plunge you into a world of worry, bringing risks from financial losses and identity theft to significant emotional distress and reputational damage.
The numbers don't lie: according to a 2024 report, the number of data breach victim notices has grown by a staggering 211% year-over-year. This isn't just a distant threat; it's a stark reality many individuals face. This year alone, we've seen major organizations like Adidas and Qantas grapple with high-profile data breaches, affecting countless customers. This underscores a critical truth: nobody is untouchable. Subsequently, strategic action is the only way to minimize the risk and protect your future.
This guide is your emergency action plan, designed to walk you through every crucial step—from confirming the breach to fortifying your digital life for the long term.
Part 1: Confirming the Breach and Understanding the Damage
The very first step is to answer the question definitively: Was my data compromised, and if so, how badly?
Start with the basics:
Check Official NotificationsReputable companies are legally obligated to inform you if your data was part of a breach. Look for official emails, letters, or public announcements.
Check Verified Breach DatabasesPlatforms like HaveIBeenPwned help you see if