The instances of online fraud seem to grow every year. However, that doesn’t mean you need to swear off the internet forever. To keep your identity and money secure, here’s a quick guide to identifying—and avoiding — online fraud.
Think before you click
Phishing is the most common attack performed by cybercriminals. In the most common scenario, a scammer posts an appealing link as bait and then redirects you to a different website. Clicking the link infects your computer with a virus that steals your personal information or locks your computer until you agree to pay the scammer a ransom fee. To avoid this, remember to think before you click on any suspicious links.
Beware of social media comments
When you are scrolling on social media and you see a viral post, be leery of any links posted in the comments. Scammers will comment with a link claiming it connects to a relevant story or thread,
enticing you to click on it. Be vigilant when scrolling through social media, and as a good rule of thumb, change your passwords regularly.
Shop online safely
Most online companies are not scammers, but when purchasing from a site for the first time, be sure to do your due diligence. Researching customer reviews, checking the contact information
and researching the product to confirm it is legitimate are all ways you can protect yourself. When asked for your payment information, make sure to only use sites that use secure payment platforms.
Think twice before taking a survey
Online surveys promising deep discounts and giveaways can be very tempting. Many of these surveys are scams and if you click on them, you may be giving them access to your device. Be suspicious of flashing banners that overpromise and ask for personal information.
Protect your heart online
Unfortunately, scammers have started to invade online dating websites. Watch out for anyone who wants to move your conversation from the dating site to email, can never meet in person or the
big one—wants your money.
Article adapted from BALANCE financial education resources.