Being an active web surfer comes with the freedom to browse, connect, and go almost anywhere the surfer virtually pleases. Most people use the internet on a daily basis, and they find that it’s simple, helpful, and can even be fun. Some even use the internet to earn a living online, boost their income using the apps, and grow their finances with investments. Though the internet is a fundamental resource in the lives of billions, unfortunately not everyone uses the internet with good intentions. While multitudes go about their day online, others on the web wait for the proper chance to scheme and scam anyone they can. It’s not always easy to spot a money scam, but there are measures and precautions people can take to cut the chances of falling victim to these varying schemes. Read on for tips!
Keep Personal Info Personal
Personal information is personal for a reason: it belongs to the beholder only and is essential for identifying said person only. That is until internet scammers came around. Now, all it takes is getting a hold of a person’s name, birthday, or phone number to gain access to information that is not meant for others to see. With this, scammers are able to get a hold of online accounts, bank accounts, and even internet systems to take hold of things that do not belong to them. To avoid this, be sure to keep your most essential information off of the internet. Personal information such as phone number, address, banking information, and mother’s maiden name should be free from public internet pages. And, it is just as important to not give this information to others directly or privately on the internet as well.
Ignore the Urge to Make Immediate Decisions
Is it a good deal, or is it too good to be true? It can be easy to jump at a nice-sounding opportunity out of excitement or fear of losing out. Doing research first is important to make sure that possible ventures are legit. For example, when looking to bring in free money or make investment decisions, first take time to research companies and programs to possibly engage with. Try going to their websites, checking out their reviews, and searching for feedback about their work and services. If this information is not available, difficult to find, or unclear, it’s probably best to leave the opportunity alone.
Beware of Phishing
As technology gets smarter, scammers get smarter, too. To deceive internet browsers, scammers do what is called phishing, which involves sending out fraudulent links via email, text, or online message under false pretense meant to trick the receiver into clicking the link and exposing their information. One of the best ways to avoid these scams is to know how to spot them. Here are some things to know when looking out for phishing scams:
- Bankers, debt collectors, government agencies, and other official entities do not reach out via email.
- Phishers try to pressure potential victims into acting at once to limit the time available to think and reflect on the decision.
- When in doubt, don’t click—delete!
Learning the signs of phishing can help people avoid scammers altogether and keep themselves protected.
Protect Your Internet Connection
Though the internet is fun and useful, it can also be scary and harmful without the right protections in place. Scammers now use public internet access to hack in and scam users. Protecting internet access using a trusted provider stops scammers by using a secure firewall, keeping them out and keeping important information in. If the internet is like a car, internet protection is like a seat belt—it’s there for user safety and to keep people secure if the unpredictable happens.
Check-in With a Trusted Friend or Relative
Sometimes making decisions alone can lead to error and regret. This is why there is no harm in going to the ones who are trusted the most to help make tricky decisions. Talking about potential decisions with family and friends can help people assess problems, think through dilemmas, and ultimately help make the best decision possible. When friends and family get involved, people have a better chance of coming away from an experience with a better result. Everyone is human, after all; humans need other humans to get through life, even if that means helping each other avoid potential money scams.
No one is entirely exempt or safe from online money scams, but with diligence and caution, people can see to it that these scams are rendered unsuccessful. Everyone deserves to use the internet without being pursued by disingenuous entities. People have a better chance of creating the internet experience they want when they’re safe and protected. And with tips like these, the internet can be safer and funner for all.
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