Online scam is the types of frauds that individuals fall prey to the most in this day and age of internet. As a result, it’s critical to understand the fundamentals of avoiding being conned out of our money over the internet. While we know some of you are already aware of these methods, here are some general guidelines for preventing online scams.

1. Do not react to “You have a virus/malware”.

You might be opening emails or just browsing the web casually when you get a message telling you that you have a virus and that you need to scan your computer right immediately by clicking a button on the window. Do not react to it. Simply exit the browser and ignore the message.

Scareware is a term used to describe messages that prey on your desire to stay secure online. The message lures you into clicking and installing a virus by scaring you into thinking you have one. To prevent this, simply install one anti-virus programme and disregard any and all virus-related alerts that do not originate from that one anti-virus programme. Moreover, most of the devices nowadays have their own antivirus or anti-malware programme built in. Therefore, you do not need to respond to the messages.

2. Do not click on email links from Banks.

You may occasionally receive emails that appear to be from your bank. They are usually information about new promotions, an urgent request for clarification or data update, or any other cause. Do not click on any of the links in these emails and mark them as spam as soon as possible.

Banks have all of the information on you that they require when you open an account. They can always call you first if they have an urgent matter. Furthermore, the most typical way that scammers phish for information is through official-looking emails. If you are unsure about an email, the safe way is to call your bank for clarification.

3. Do not purchase with email for discounts.

Another type of email that needs attention is the ones that offer special discounts through email. Do mark as spam if you notice these emails.

Most consumers are tricked and infected by dangerous software by clicking on official-looking email links. Open a new browser and search from the site itself if it is a good offer. That way, you can be a lot safer from scam.

4. Do not provide email password to any site.

In most cases, you will use your email to log in and generate new passwords for individual accounts. However, if a site that is not your email provider asks for your email password, immediately shut the window. Never provide your password to any other sites besides your email login page.

Your email account serves as a key portal to all of your other online accounts, so keeping it safe is crucial. Do not share your email password with any online bank, site, or service. It  will allow them access to all of your other accounts as well. Enable 2-factor authentication for extra security of your email.

Conclusion

While these recommendations may seem obvious, it can act as a reminder to assist you to prevent being scammed online. In fact, if you already know the things to beware of, make sure to tell others who do not. 

Also, feel free to check out other online security articles on LoanPanda to stay safe on the Internet.

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