Hello
everyone! Audra here.
The Internet has become an integral part of our daily lives. Such a wonderful, creative invention shared with the world to help and inform us on everything from shopping to research to socializing! It has given us the ability to reach out and touch new friends – like you!
However, this familiarity has also created a breeding ground for scammers and nogoodniks (as my dad would say). Online scams take many forms, including phishing emails, fake websites, fraudulent advertisements, and malware attacks. As much as you think it might not happen to you, believe me, scams can worm their way into lives before you realize it.
- Stay vigilant:
The
first step in avoiding online scams is to be aware that they exist. Scammers
use sophisticated techniques to trick people into giving away personal
information or money, and they can be very convincing. Be wary of any
unsolicited emails or messages that ask for personal information or money.
Remember the old adage: if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Use trusted websites:
When
shopping online or using other services, make sure you use trusted websites.
Look for the padlock icon in the address bar. Many hosting services offer SSL for
free and stand behind the domains they host. Check the website's privacy policy
and terms and conditions to ensure that your information is being handled
properly. Always deny access to cookies except for the most necessary.
- Keep your software up to
date:
Keeping
your computer and other devices up to date with the latest software updates and
security patches can help protect you from online scams. Scammers often target
older software with known vulnerabilities. By keeping your software up to date,
you can minimize the risk of being targeted by these types of scams.
- Be careful with email
attachments and links:
Phishing
emails often contain attachments or links that can download malware onto your
computer or take you to a fake website designed to steal your information.
Always be careful when opening email attachments or clicking on links,
especially if the email is from an unknown sender. More on this in a little
bit.
- Use strong passwords:
Using
strong passwords is an essential step in protecting yourself from online scams.
Avoid using simple passwords that can be easily guessed or hacked. Instead, use
a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols to create a strong password. Password
managers are available to help you remember your passwords and generate strong
passwords for you. Personally, I don’t use these services and prefer to write
my passwords in a notebook, not on my computer.
- Don't overshare on social
media:
Be
careful about the information you share on social media. Scammers can use
information you post online to target you with personalized scams. Talk about
the rotten neighbor at the block party! For as much as you want to share all
the fun and memorable events with others, think about creating identities for
you and your family that can’t be traced easily. Avoid posting personal
information, such as your full name, address, or phone number, on social media.
Also, be cautious about accepting friend requests from people you don't know.
- Watch out for fake charities:
Scammers
often use natural disasters or other tragedies to set up fake charities and
solicit donations from unsuspecting victims. Go to the charity directly rather
than through the proffered link. Research a charity before donating to ensure
that it is legitimate. Look for information about the charity's mission and
their history.
- Trust your instincts
Finally,
trust your instincts when it comes to online scams. If something seems
suspicious or too good to be true, it probably is. If you receive an email or
message that asks for personal information or money, take a moment to think
before responding. Don't be afraid to ask for more information or to verify the
sender's identity before taking any action.
I have a true story to share - the one that inspired this post. It started with a conversation with a woman wanting to purchase some land I had inherited in Lithuania. THAT is a long story (for another time!). These people had done their research - unfortunately for me - and I felt they were legitimate. It wasn’t until I checked out the links she had included in an email that I realized it was a con.
I immediately
shut down my computer, but knew it was too late to avoid any malware that might
have been downloaded. The next day, I tried to schedule an appointment with my Geek
Squad (using that laptop) to have them look through my computer. There was a
curious blip on the screen that should have flagged my brain that something was up, but oh nooooo, I
cruised ahead and talked to a nice lady - dressed in Geek garb - about using a remote clean up. Let’s not relive
the entire sordid affair, but once I realized Geek Care was not Geek Squad, I had already allowed
them access to my drive.
I repeat, it was a tiny blip on my screen but that was long enough for them to redirect me to their scam site.
I took
my computer (physically) to Geek Squad, explained this scam happened on their
site and left it to their techno-gurus to fix. They were backlogged and said it
would take 3 to 4 days to finish. I didn't care; I just wanted it fixed! When I returned to
pick it up the next day, they explained a tech had completed a project ahead of schedule and
picked up my ticket. He or she spent 10 hours cleaning up my drive. They uninstalled
and installed some apps, ran deep diagnostics, and updated my security.
10 hours
to clean up planted malware!
I thought I knew all about scams. I had attended numerous trainings on the subject while I worked for the County - we had hands-on sessions. I regularly take my computers in for tune-ups. My son constantly harps on all of us to avoid the traps I had fallen into. Despite all these precautions, a scammer got lucky.
None of us are immune.
The
adage of “if something seems too good to be true, it probably is,” is one to
burn in your gray matter, no doubt. BUT, sometimes we need to be vigilant with
our tried and true sites, as well. There was a time when being skeptical wasn’t
a welcome trait. Unfortunately, the world around us requires us to be vigilant
whether we want to or not.
How about you? Are you ready to fight the good fight and keep the scammers at bay? Has anyone fallen prey to a scam that caught you in the blink of an eye? Let's share. Maybe through our experiences, we can help others before it happens.
~ ~ ~
Audra Harders writes "rugged stories with heart" featuring fearless men who haven't a clue about relationships, rescued by ladies who think they have all the answers. In real life, she's married to her own patient hero, has two adult children, and a very strong-willed Corgi. She began writing right after her second kidlet was born and sold her first book to Love Inspired mere months before that same young adult graduated from high school. Surviving those years in between reminds her God does have a plan for her life...and that He has a tremendous sense of humor. You can visit Audra at:Website: https://www.audraharders.com