Video Call Safety Tips 🔒
Stay safe during video calls with these security tips.
Video Call Safety Tips 🔒
Stay safe during video calls!
Basic Safety Rules 🛡️
Always remember:
- ❌ Don't accept calls from strangers
- ❌ Don't share personal information
- ❌ Don't click suspicious links
- ✅ Only call people you know
- ✅ Verify who's calling before answering
Before the Call 📋
Check these things:
Who's calling?
- Recognize the name?
- Recognize the number?
- Were you expecting this call?
When in doubt:
- Don't answer
- Call them back using number you have
- Better safe than sorry!
Meeting Links 🔗
Be careful with links:
Safe links:
- From people you know
- Expected/scheduled
- Look normal (no weird characters)
Suspicious links:
- From unknown senders
- Unexpected invites
- Strange-looking URLs
- Shortened links (bit.ly) from strangers
Best practice:
- Only click links from trusted sources
- Ask sender to confirm if unsure
Privacy During Calls 🏠
Protect your privacy:
Your background:
- Be aware what's visible behind you
- Personal photos/documents?
- Address on mail visible?
- Consider blurring background (Zoom feature)
Your information:
- Don't show credit cards
- Don't share passwords
- Don't share Social Security number
- Don't share banking info
Screen Sharing ⚠️
If someone asks to share your screen:
Only do this if:
- You trust them completely
- They're helping with tech support
- You initiated the support request
Never do this if:
- Unexpected request
- Stranger asking
- Pressure to act quickly
- They claim to be from company you don't use
What they can see:
- Everything on your screen
- All your open apps
- Any notifications
- Your passwords if visible
Common Scams 🚨
Watch out for:
"Tech support" calls:
- Claim your computer has virus
- Want to "fix" it remotely
- Real companies don't call unsolicited
"Bank" or "IRS" calls:
- Claim there's a problem
- Want personal information
- Real institutions don't work this way
"Family emergency" calls:
- Person you don't recognize
- Claims to be relative
- Needs money urgently
- Verify through other means
Protecting Children 👶
If kids use video calls:
Setup safety:
- Only approved contacts
- Supervised calls
- Limited time
- Age-appropriate apps
Teach them:
- Never talk to strangers online
- Don't share personal info
- Tell adult if uncomfortable
- How to end call
Account Security 🔐
Protect your accounts:
Use strong passwords:
- Unique for each app
- Mix of letters, numbers, symbols
- Not your birthday or pet's name
Enable two-factor authentication:
- Extra security layer
- Even if password stolen, account protected
- Available on Zoom, WhatsApp, etc.
Log out when done:
- Especially on shared devices
- Prevents unauthorized access
Meeting Passwords 🔑
Use meeting passwords:
- Zoom, Google Meet, etc. offer this
- Prevents strangers from joining
- Share password only with attendees
Waiting rooms:
- Enable on Zoom
- You approve who joins
- Prevents surprise visitors
What to Do If Something Feels Wrong 🚩
Red flags:
- Pressure to act quickly
- Request for money
- Asks for passwords
- Threats or scare tactics
- Too good to be true offers
If you suspect scam:
- End the call immediately
- Don't click any links
- Don't share information
- Block the number/contact
- Report to app (Zoom, etc.)
Reporting Issues 📣
How to report:
Zoom:
- During meeting → Security → Report User
WhatsApp:
- Open chat → tap name → Report Contact
FaceTime:
- Block contact in iPhone Contacts
Google Meet:
- During meeting → More (⋮) → Report
After a Scam Attempt 🆘
If you gave information:
- Change passwords immediately
- Contact your bank if shared financial info
- Monitor accounts for suspicious activity
- Report to authorities:
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI: ic3.gov
- Call us - we can help!
Best Practices Summary ✅
Stay safe by:
- Trust your instincts
- Verify before clicking links
- Guard personal information
- Use secure passwords
- Enable security features
- Educate family members
- Report suspicious activity
Need Help? 💙
Concerned about a call or link?
- Don't take chances
- Call us for advice
- We're here to help you stay safe
Remember: It's always better to be cautious than sorry!