Online scams are becoming more and more common every day. It seems like there is a new scam hitting the internet every week. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the different types of scams that are out there, and the know-how to avoid them.
We will discuss nine tips that will help you stay safe online and avoid being scammed. Check out this blog for reports and reviews of online money making scams.
Now, let’s look at how to avoid online scams.
9 Quick tips to avoid online scams
1. Ensure all your devices are Up-to-date
Computers and mobile devices are vulnerable to data-stealing malware. These devices can be exploited for many reasons, but the most dangerous is the loss of personal information like credit card numbers. Malware payloads can come about either as a result of a computer being infiltrated by malicious code or through social engineering techniques.
Updates contain patches that protect against these types of exploits which is why they should always be installed as soon as possible when available from manufacturers and developers alike. Computers and mobile devices may have different update schedules so it’s important to know what your computer needs in order to ensure its protection from malicious code attacks.
2. Setting stronger passwords
Setting strong passwords is one of the most important things you can do to protect your online identity and personal information. A strong password should be at least 8 characters long, and should include a mix of letters, numbers and special characters. Here are some tips for creating strong passwords:
1. Choose a phrase instead of a word
2. Use a combination of upper- and lowercase letters
3. Add numbers and symbols to your password
4. Make your password longer than 8 characters
5. Avoid using easily guessed words or names
6. Change your password often
7. Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts
3. Be cautious of fraudulent emails.
Phishing scams are attempts by criminals to steal your personal information, such as your passwords, bank account details and credit card numbers. They do this by sending you fake emails or text messages which seem to be from a legitimate company, like your bank or an online store. The emails or texts may ask you to click on a link or provide personal information. If you do this, the scammer can get access to your accounts and steal your money.
To protect yourself from phishing scams, always be suspicious of unsolicited emails and texts, even if they appear to be from a reputable company. Never click on links in emails or texts unless you are sure that they are safe. And never provide your personal information unless you are absolutely sure that you are dealing with a legitimate company.
4. Watch out for impostors using fake profiles on social media
Scammers create fake online profiles to gain your trust and send you money. They may use pictures of other people or pictures they have found online, so the profile doesn’t look fake even though it says it is. Always consider the possibility that an approach may be part of a scam.
Do not send money to anyone you have only ever contacted online or by phone. If you are asked for money, do some research and ask lots of questions about what is being offered and why you should pay for it before making any decisions. Always check if someone is who they say they are by finding out more about them online.
5. Don’t share personal information
When you’re online, don’t share personal information like your address, phone number, or email password. This makes it easy for scammers to steal your identity and access your accounts.
6. Have a secure internet connection
Secure your internet connection with a VPN to keep your data safe from prying eyes. A VPN encrypts your traffic so that no one can see what you are doing online. It also masks your IP address, so you can surf the web anonymously. This added layer of security is perfect for travelers and business people who need to connect to public Wi-Fi hotspots. Choose a service that has a strong reputation and offers high-quality encryption technology so that you can rest assured that your data is protected at all times.
7. Reading the site’s privacy policies
Reading a website’s privacy policy is one of the best ways to understand how the site collects and uses data about its users. By understanding what information is being collected and how it will be used, you can make more informed decisions about whether to use the site or not. The privacy policy will also tell you what rights you have with respect to your data, such as the right to access, change, or delete it. It’s important to note that not all websites have a privacy policy – in fact, many don’t – so be sure to read them before providing anything.
8. Don’t act immediately
When it comes to online scams, one of the main things to remember is that there’s usually a lot of pressure to act immediately. Scammers will often use phrases like “you won’t believe this” or “you’re the only person who can help me” in order to get you to do something before you have time to think about it. However, if something feels too good to be true, it probably is. Resist the urge to act immediately and take some time to research any offer or request before you make a decision.
9. Checking the Web Address
Before you enter any personal information or credit card numbers on a website, be sure to check the web address to make sure it is legitimate. The web address should start with “https://” rather than “http://”. The “s” stands for secure and means that your information will be encrypted and protected from prying eyes. Also, look for the lock icon in the lower left-hand corner of your browser window. This indicates that the site has been verified as safe by a third party. If you’re not sure whether a site is trustworthy, do a quick search online to see what others have said about it.
Report to the FTC
The FTC’s email report scam tool provides access to one of the most valuable tools for fighting internet crime complaints. The complaint tips based on consumers’ first-hand experiences are indispensable in helping law enforcement officials target scams, identify patterns and trends, or find links between cases. They often provide warning signs that many people don’t know about before they become victims themselves
