What is SafeSense?
Ever get a suspicious text or email and wonder if it's a scam? Leon County’s SafeSense helps residents recognize scams, protect their personal information, and navigate the internet safely and confidently. While designed with older adults in mind, the program is open to anyone who wants to feel more secure online.
Common Scams
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Phishing (Email) — Fraudulent emails that appear to come from legitimate sources, such as banks or online retailers, designed to steal login information or install malware.
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Smishing (Text/SMS) — Scam text messages, including fake delivery updates or bank alerts, that try to get you to click a malicious link.
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Vishing (AI Voice/Deepfake) — Phone scams where callers pose as officials (e.g., IRS, Social Security) or loved ones to request money or sensitive information.
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Tech Support — Scammers claim your computer is infected with malware and demand payment to fix a non-existent issue.
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Romance — Scammers create fake relationships online to build trust and request money.
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Ransomware/Malware — Harmful software that blocks access to your device or data and demands payment to restore access.
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Online Shopping — Fake websites or fraudulent listings on legitimate platforms that take payment without delivering products.
Ten Ways to Stay Safe
Routine actions, like opening an email attachment, clicking a link in a text message, or completing an online purchase, can expose you to cybercriminals looking to steal your information or damage your systems. Protecting against online threats depends on staying informed, cautious, and alert. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), here are ways you can stay safe from scams:
- Keep systems and software up to date and use a strong, reputable antivirus program.
- Create a strong, unique passphrase for each account. Using the same passphrase across accounts increases your risk if one is breached.
- Only open attachments you are expecting and have verified with the sender.
- Use caution on public Wi-Fi and avoid sensitive transactions, including purchases.
- Check email address and website URLs carefully. Scammers often use slight variations to appear legitimate.
- Do not click links in unsolicited messages asking you to update or verify account information. Instead, go directly to the company’s official website or call a verified number.
- Be cautious of messages that create a sense of urgency.
- Use a credit card for online purchases when possible for added protection.
- Do not send money to people you meet online or allow unfamiliar individuals access to your bank account.
- Carefully review all requests for payments or transfers.
Report a Scam
If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, act quickly and report it using the following resources:
- Call the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Financial Crimes Unit at 850-606-3300
- Call Florida’s Office of the Attorney General at 866-9-NO-SCAM (866-966-7226)
- Report scams using Federal Trade Commission’s website at ReportFraud.FTC.gov
- Call National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311)
Keep Learning at the Library
Watch the SafeSense workshop available on the Leon County Public Library’s YouTube channel to learn more practical tips for protecting your personal information, recognizing common scams, and staying safe online.
View the free online resources for all ages available in the Digital Library.
Check out books and other materials through the library catalog using your library card.
Program Partners
The program has been developed with coordination and input from the following community partners: