Scammers are lurking around every corner, and more than ever, they are becoming more and more creative. If it’s not an email in your inbox offering you more money than you could ever dream of or a phone call trying to get your information, to a link you have to click otherwise – you won’t get your money. To be a victim of a scam is not only irritating but also costly. Here is how to protect yourself.
1. Think Twice About Unsolicited Offers
Scammers have used this format for years. If you’re not the one essentially asking/demanding this opportunity, then you have to be skeptical right off the bat. Scammers will attempt to create an incentive for you to take action quickly, such as ”Act now!” or “You’re going to miss out,” but usually, that’s your first quick clue. It’s perfectly normal to request for a minute to breathe and ask yourself the following — “Is this legit?” 99% of the time, it’s not.
2. Verify Websites Before You Click
Absolutely – without a shadow of a doubt — scammers love nothing more than to exploit a fake website, which resembles a duplicate of a real website. These websites are very deceitful, as they are able to manipulate their way into making you willingly share some very personal information — e.g., your credit card, banking, and password information. To shield yourself from being targeted — always remember to double-check the URL address. You’re going to want to notice that little lock-looking symbol by the address. If you have a thing for online games and get an email about a win, you need to check where the source has been published. Online casinos like https://ca.crazyvegas.com/casino-reviews/ publish their website sources and are trusted in the gaming community.
3. Be Wary of Unsolicited Calls or Messages
Scammers have become so good at impersonating other people, that they often do a very convincing job — e.g., pretending to be a representative from your bank or even your mother. When the scammer gets direct access to your personal information, this will enable them to hack directly into your bank account and listen in on your phone calls. If you’re on the receiving end of a call or message, asking you to reveal any personal data, it’s more than important that you ignore this person, and don’t engage in any further participation. Make sure to hang up your phone if need be, and simply ring them back if you feel the need to establish clarity. Saying that, a cruel truth is that they have most likely also hacked into the phone of the company they claim to be working for, so what they’ll do is intercept your return call. Scammers will also track down your email address, and contact you in any way possible, demanding you to share personal details. If this happens to you, make sure to not give in. Stop the conversation or report it straight away. Remember that a genuine company will never randomly ask for your passwords and credit card information… ever.
4. Guard Your Personal Information
With absolutely no exaggeration whatsoever — personal information will be seen as your savior to one, and potentially many scammers. This is the information they basically need in order to take your identity for their unjustified use and/or hack directly into your bank account. It will serve you well to be informed of what you voluntarily share on various platforms – more obviously – social media. The more you upload a story here, a highlight there, the easier you’re making it for all the wrong people to harm you. And trust me, it’s not a maybe, but a definite yes. You are making yourself very, very vulnerable and an open target for scammers.
5. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Repeating passwords for multiple accounts is a red carpet for scammers. One hacked account later and your others could be on the line. Keep a unique, strong password for each account, and maybe think about using a password manager so you don’t forget them all. P.S. Use two-factor authentication where you can.
7. Stay Up-to-Date on Scams
Just like our technology, scams change all the time. Every so often, familiarize yourself with the common tricks. The more tricks you know, the more you can catch them out.
8. Trust Your Gut
When you’ve got nothing to defend yourself with, your gut is a great place to start. If something feels off, it probably is. Scammers prey on people who do not listen to that quiet voice of doubt in the back of their heads. You’re not making it up; they’re trying to trick you.
Never Get Scammed Again
Scams happen in all kinds of places, but with a bit of help, you can avoid a tonne of hurt (and a tonne of cash out of your wallet). Be wary of unsolicited offers. Check websites and protect your personal info.