The Ultimate List Of Tips To Avoid Being Scammed Online

For many generations, scams have been an issue for Internet users. Criminals always find victims. With the use of the Internet, modern scammers can easily go anonymous.

The Internet allowed people to gain information about any topic. It enables people to connect with strangers in any part of the world. The current technology lets people accomplish more things than ever before. With the increased use of tech in the world, fraudsters found new ways to scam the innocent people.

That’s why you need to be more aware of the methods that these people are using for the web frauds. Keep in mind that victims of online scams in the US lost more than 800 million dollars in 2017. The number will continue to rise because hackers always want to stay ahead of the public.

So, how can you avoid being scammed online?

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Be Careful In Responding To Job Offers

Job offer scams are rampant. In this scam, you will receive an unsolicited email that offers you a job for a position that is not in your area of expertise. The message states that the job offer pays more than your current employer is offering. Unsolicited job offers are common. Those who are desperate for work are always the victim. Never accept job offers until you can be sure that they are authentic.

Conduct Research

It is perfectly okay to purchase items from established retailers online. However, if you want to stretch your dollar, you might be tempted to purchase from an unknown site that also offers the same products at cheaper rates.

Before you even make a final decision, find some online reviews. These reviews will help you figure out whether the site received negative reports. Check whether the site made unauthorized charges on their customers’ credit card. But just because a site received negative reviews does not mean that it is not a trustworthy one. However, if you are in doubt, do not purchase.

Never Reply To A Scam Email

One of the most popular scams is the beneficiary scam. In here, you get a message from someone who wishes to move money around. Often, the message comes from a businessman who wishes to have his millions transfer to another country and needs your help. The message includes enough details to give an offer that may appear legitimate. If you give in to this request, you won’t receive the beneficiary money. The scammer will continue to send you a message that you need to make small payments to facilitate the transfer.

People who are down in their luck would fall prey to this scam. Thus, before you respond to this kind of message, make sure to check the email’s grammar and spelling. Often, beneficiary scam email includes tons of grammar and spelling mistakes.

Use Your Credit Card Protection Service

Even if the site you are browsing seems reliable, it does not indicate that your personal information is safe. Online shopping sites can easily get hold of your credit information. The good thing is that credit card companies offer a unique number that you can use for a particular site. If a scammer can get hold of your information, they cannot use it anywhere.

Furthermore, you must check your statements for unauthorized charges. However, if your credit card issuer does not provide this kind of protection, you must find one that offers specific protection for online purchases.

Do Not Deal In Cash

One of the most popular methods of scammers is to work with cash. The reason for this is that cash cannot be traced. If you are hunting for an apartment, for instance, bogus real estate agents would ask you to wire them money or check for the reservation fee. But once you paid them, they could easily get away with your money. Landlords who wish to scam you will insist that you pay cash. Experts’ tips on how to avoid rental scams involve not paying in cash or make wire transfers.

Stay Alert

Be skeptical when someone contacts you through phone or email asking you about your personal information. No legitimate companies would ask for your password over the phone or email. So, stay away of these phone calls or emails. Now, if you think you fell prey to an online scam, notify immediately all companies that you have accounts with.

Ensure that you keep an eye out for these scammers to avoid getting duped. You need constant vigilance as scammers are more clever these days.