Did you know that in the US alone, one in ten people fall victim to a scam every year?
Sadly, newer and better technology only provides scam artists, more than ever, with an edge to steal financial data from unwary people.
Scammers are lurking everywhere. Avoid falling into their traps by knowing what to look for with these ten tips for avoiding scams.
1. Sending Money to Strangers
You might get an email saying they chose you to receive a large sum of money and they need to transfer it to your account. No matter what, never wire money to a stranger. It is virtually impossible to reverse the transaction or trace the money, especially overseas.
That scam started in the 1980s, and it has cost Americans millions of dollars. JG Wentworth is a prime example with methods that have left people feeling crushed, and inevitably conned.
2. Giving Out Financial Information
Never reveal sensitive financial information to someone you don’t know. Scammers will try to trick you into giving them your financial information.
This common scam is known as phishing. You are never asked for your personal information by your bank. If you receive a suspicious phone call or email, call your bank immediately.
3. Clicking on Links in Emails
If you receive a strange email with a link to a download, delete the email.
The Better Business Bureau advises people to disregard and erase any emails that request any personal or financial information.
4. Avoiding Scams Through Your Passwords
These days, passwords like “123” or “Password” are not secure. Simple passwords are easily cracked. Generate passwords that are at least 8 characters long including some lower and upper case letters, numbers, and special symbols.
5. Your Social Security Number
Never give out your Social Security number when requested to do so in an email or website. With so many people hacking e-mail and Facebook, it is more than likely a scam.
Legitimate businesses do not request this kind of data.
6. Antivirus and Spyware Protection
Protect information stored on your computer by installing antivirus and spyware protection. Once you install the program, always keep it up-to-date.
7. Online Retailers
When it comes to e-commerce, only do business with legitimate companies. Before purchasing products from an unfamiliar store, research the business to ensure it is legitimate and trustworthy.
8. Pop-Up Windows
Be wary of pop-up windows that claim your computer is unsafe. If you choose to download from a pop-up to start a program, your computer could be damaged by malware which is a malicious software virus.
9. Visiting Safe Websites
Before making financial information available on any website, check to see if they are secure. That is usually symbolized by a lock to the left of the web address.
When you see the lock, this means the information you’re entering is safely encrypted and protected against hackers.
10. Donating to Charities
If you receive a call or email from a charity looking for donations, do your homework before you whip out your credit card. Some scammers create bogus charities to steal credit card information.
The IRS makes it easy to find legitimate charities with their website.
Keep Your Sensitive Information Safe
In today’s society, we all have to guard against being scammed and taken advantage of by rip-off artists and fraudsters.
Have you found a scam yourself? Report your worries immediately.
By paying close attention to the aspects above, you can outsmart even the most cunning fraudsters, avoiding scams, and even prevent financial harm.
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