Top 5 Easy Ways To Avoid Online Scam

Top 5 Easy Ways To Avoid Online Scam
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In this post, I will be unveiling the 5 Best Ways To Avoid Internet Scam in 2019, You’ll also get to see How To Identify a ScammerWhat To Do If You Have Been Scammed Online, Internet Frauds Examples and also How To Prevent Phishing.

No one would believe they he will fall for a scam and lose thousands until it happens. In 2016, almost 700 million complaints related to fraud worldwide. In those complaints, people reported losing over $100 billion to the scammers. If you want to avoid getting scammed, carefully read this article.

Who is a Scammer?

 A Scammer also called a cheat, fraudster, deceiver, hustler, trickster or Yahoo Boy (Nigeria) is a person who makes money using illegal methods, especially by tricking people. A scam is, therefore, a fraudulent scheme used by a dishonest individual/groups/company to obtain money or other valuable form other people by posing as someone with skill or authority, i.e. investor, doctor, lawyer, advertiser, etc

5 sure ways to avoid being scammed Online

Would you Like to Know How To Deal With Online Frauds? This scenario can occur to anyone at any time. If you want to avoid getting dupped online by a scammer, you simply have to know simply scam format and know how to avoid them.

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  1. Be Skeptical

Don’t trust anything or anyone you see online. When dealing with unknown messages from people or businesses, whether it’s over the phone, by mail, email, on a social networking site or in person, always consider that this approach may be a possible scam. if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. And If the message or call comes from a friend, check to confirm that it was really them that sent it.

When using social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, be careful who you connect with. Use your privacy and security settings to ensure you stay safe. If you notice any suspicious behavior, clicked on spam or block. This discerning judgment will save you from being scammed.

  1. Ignore Suspicious Messages & Calls

Messages from unknown sources should be deleted. Do not open any suspicious texts, pop-up windows or click on links, files and attachments in emails just delete them. Don’t respond to phone calls asking about your computer asking for remote access and other information.

Verify the identity of the contact using a trusted source such as a caller Id, phone book or online search. Don’t rely on on the contact details provided in the message sent to you.

Any information you give them will put you in danger. The will use that info to gain remote access or upload a virus to your system.

  1. Secure Your Personal Details & Mobile Devices

This is another sure way to avoid being scammed. Padlock on your bill, emails, files and other important documents before throwing them out.

A scammer can also ask for your bank details so he can pay you to buy he would use this data to hack and steal from your bank account. So, don’t freely give out your bank details. Keep your passwords, account & bank details and pin numbers in a safe place.

Be very careful about how much personal information you share on your social handles. Scammers can use your information and pictures to create a fake identity, that can make you look like the culprit. All your mobile devices should also have pin locks for security and privacy reasons.

Protect your WiFi network with a password and avoid using WiFi hotspots & computers to access purchase items online, online banking or fill in your provide personal information.

  1. Use an Antivirus Software

Using antivirus software is also one of the best ways to avoid being scammed. Antivirus or antimalware program will scam for unawares that steal and leak your information to scammers. You should not only have antivirus software but also scan weekly for malware that might have infected your device.

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  1. Use Strong Password

A strong password is your first line of defense against a scammer. Always use strong password protection, donate share your access with others and always update security software, back up your files & content.

Choose a password that would be difficult for others to know or guess. A strong password should include a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols. Do not use the same password for every account/profile, and donate share your passwords with anyone.

Signs of Money Scams

How Do I Know If I’m Being Scammed? Scammers and fraudsters are usually persuasive when it comes to pooling money from you. This is 3 obvious signs of a Money Scam. This sign helps you Know If You’re Being Scammed On The Phone and Identify a Scammer Online.

  1. You get a message from out of the blue about a life-changing investment or get rich quick scheme and you are constantly pressured to invest. This is no legit deal, walk away while it’s not too late.
  2. The deal is just too good. When a person is selling a product online for almost 40% off, its probably counterfeit or a scam. They will always request a wire/bank transfer which is nonrefundable. Don’t take chances. If they don’t have an office close by where you can state your complaints, don’t purchase that product.
  3. A scammer will exploit your emotion. They make a deal sound too urgent using exaggerations and threats. This compromises your ability to think things through
  4. Money is always involved. A scammer may say that you have won money, or that your money is in danger, etc, but the common element is money. This should be your biggest sign that you might be looking at a scam.

What To Do If You Have Been Scammed Online

Scammers are doing their best to scam you of your hard earned money. They use different scam format from email phishing to websites cloning, fake profile, cell phone smishing, etc. Scam victims are embarrassed when they’ve been played/conned and have fallen for a scam, so the cover up the case. These are the best actions to take when you have been scammed online.

  • Report to the Police, so they can track the person inside or outside your country
  • Report to the Bank to Freeze you Bank Account
  • File a Fraud Victim Statement to State Your Case
  • Use an Anti-Virus Software
  • Block Irrelevant EmailsMessages
  • Change Your Password
  • Use BBC Scam Tracker to track and report any scam attack

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a popular scam format used to obtain sensitive & personal information like usernames, passwords, and credit card by cloning a trustworthy entity/site in electronic communication.

How to Avoid Email Phishing

Email Phishing can take many forms. from domain spoofing to Spear Phishing, smishing, Vishing, and whaling. you can avoid these scams simply by

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  • Being wary of links in email messages
  • Using security alerts
  • Use Google to see the site information

How to prevent online banking frauds

  1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Create complex and unique passwords for your online banking accounts. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or names. Consider using a passphrase with a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
  2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Activate 2FA on your online banking accounts if available. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a one-time code sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password.
  3. Regularly Monitor Your Accounts: Frequently review your account statements and transaction history. Report any unauthorized or suspicious activity to your bank immediately. The quicker you report fraudulent activity, the faster it can be resolved.
  4. Use Secure Devices and Networks: Access your online banking accounts only from trusted, secure devices and networks. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive transactions, and keep your devices updated with the latest security patches.
  5. Educate Yourself About Phishing Scams: Be cautious of phishing attempts, which often involve deceptive emails or websites that mimic your bank’s official communications. Verify the authenticity of any email or link before clicking, and never provide personal information in response to unsolicited requests.

How to Know a Fake Website/ Email

there is a big List of Scamming Website Published Online. This sites also send mail to individuals to steal their data and personal information. This is the best ways to know a fake website and Email.

  • Counterfeit Goods
  • Cloned/similar domain name with another site ie Jumia.com.ng becomes Jomia.com.ng. This is a strong sign of a fake website.
  • Cheaper Prices
  • Frequent Email Messages

There is no foolproof way to avoid a scam, but you can avoid being scanned by using these signs. If you encounter a scam, the best thing to do is file a complaint, report it & share your story. These are 5 sure ways to avoid being scammed on the internet or on your phone.

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