Scammers have invaded the online space with fake deals and have defrauded many unsuspecting individuals of their hard-earned money. It’s often said that when the deal is too good to be true, exercise caution before making any financial commitment. Statistical reports reveal that there’s a growing number of individuals who have seen their life savings go down the drain because of online scammers.
Scammers will promise you quick returns if you make ‘investments’ with them. If you’ve never fallen victim to online scammers, lucky you! However, don’t assume that you’ll never find yourself in this situation, as scammers are becoming more creative and elaborate with their schemes.
Nonetheless, there are many genuine online businesses that you can invest with, such as Amway which has been in business since 1959. There are various resources that you can use to get full Amway reviews and know how you can make money with Amway as an investor.
There are several kinds of online scams in different industries, including business, health, finance, beauty, and online investments. Read reviews of each kind of scam to ensure that you’re on the safe side and avoid being scammed.
Strategies To Avoid Being Scammed Online
If you exercise caution online, it’s possible to avoid being scammed. Some of the strategies you may use include the following:
1. Keep Your Financial Data A Secret
Internet phishing is a common fraud method nowadays. Avoid giving out your financial information online to businesses or individuals that you don’t know, whether they reach you through email, phone, or text. Some scammers may get your email or phone contact online and contact you under false pretenses that they’re representatives of a well-known retailer, government agency, or financial institution.
A common trick that a scammer will use is telling you that your bank account has been compromised and you’re required to update it. Their intention is usually to make you give them your Social Security number, credit card number, or any other crucial financial information.
Beware that no credit card company or bank will ever call you to ask for your financial data. In case someone calls or emails you asking for your financial information, you may call your bank or credit card company to know the status of your account.
2. Use Very Strong Passwords
Your password ought to be difficult to crack. With modern password cracking tools, a hacker can crack your password if it’s a simple name of a person or pet, or if it’s a simple combination of numbers or letters. Avoid committing this common password security mistake. Strong passwords need to be at least eight characters long with a mix of upper-case and lower-case letters, special characters, and numbers. Additionally, use different passwords for the different websites that you visit.
It’s not easy to remember about ten passwords that are eight characters long each. However, with the use of a password program, you can generate secure passwords, store them, and access them when needed.
3. Approach Online Deals With Caution
Scammers may take advantage of special holidays or events like Black Friday to advertise offers on their websites. The sad thing is that after you’ve purchased the product, you’ll probably never get it. To avoid being scammed through this scheme, confirm how legit a website is and research about its reputation. Check reviews of the website whether any issues have been raised by other people that might be a red flag. Moreover, use common sense: a deal that appears too good is usually a fraud trap.
4. Secure Your Computer With Antivirus Programs
Your computer needs to be securely protected with antivirus, spyware protection, and a firewall. Go to the settings of your antivirus program and turn on the auto-update option to make sure that all updates are installed automatically. Antivirus software can detect any attempt of a malware attack and resolve it. Moreover, an antivirus can detect unsafe websites and warn you so that you can avoid entering such websites.
5. Shop In Known Websites
There are well-known websites that you should shop from, both globally and locally. In case the product that you need is from an unfamiliar seller, do some background research first to ensure that the retailer is trustworthy. You may also ask your friends if they’re familiar with the said website or seller.
6. Avoid Pop-Up Windows
When you’re browsing online, you may see many pop-up windows that imply that your computer is unsafe. The moment you click on them, it activates malware that may end up damaging the operating system of your computer. If the pop-up requests you to download software, reject the request by closing the window.
Conclusion
With the growing number of people falling prey to online scammers, you have to take extra precautions and never let your guard down. The tips in this article are invaluable in saving you from imminent fraud. Always remember to protect your financial information, use strong passwords, install antivirus software on your computer, and purchase products from trusted websites.