Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Top 10 Tips to Avoid Online Scams


It’s not only the naïve who might probably become the victim; all of us may be vulnerable to scam. Scams succeed because they look like real thing and catch your off guard when you’re not expecting it. Scammers are getting increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to get your personal information and money. So, you have to protect yourself from being scammed by following the tips being shared below! :-


Alert that scams exist
When you are dealing with any uninvited contacts from people or business through any tools, please always consider the possibility that the approach might be a scam. Always remember that it is probably a scam if something looks too good to be true. 





Avoid suspicious texts, pop-up windows or emails
Verify the message through independent source such as phone book or online search. Don’t use the details provided in the message received, or else delete it.




Aware who you’re dealing with
If you’ve only ever met someone online, take time to do a bit more research about her or him. Search internet for others who may have had dealings with them to assure their credibility.


Choose and use strong passwords
Choosing passwords that would be difficult for others to guess where a strong password should include a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols. For important accounts, use only secure passwords that are long and difficult to guess but never use the same passwords for every account and don’t share your passwords with anyone.



Be careful when shopping online by phone
Beware of the offers that seem too good to be true and always use the online shopping service that trusted. Even though mobile devices make shopping more convenient, but they often lack protections such as anti-virus software. 




Don’t click on hyperlinks in emails
Scams involve sending emails and ask the recipient to click on a hyperlink or open an attachment then enter their personal details, such as IC and bank account numbers. You should ignore any emails that make these kinds of requests.

Schedule a regular paperwork review
Reviewing credit card and bank statements every month to catch if there are any errors happen. If any charges seem incorrect, please contact and inform the bank or your credit card company.





Beware of any requests for your personal information or money
Never send money, credit card details, online account details or copies of your personal information to anyone you don’t know as they might misuse your details. Don’t simply transfer money or goods for someone else too.




Keep mobile devices and computers secure
Always use passwords protection and update security software to protect your mobile devices and computers. Avoid using public computers or Wi-Fi hotspots to access online banking services which include your personal information.

Don’t friend with strangers
In order to protect and secure yourself from scams, you should avoid accepting friend requests from strangers. It’s easy to just “unfriend” someone after accidentally accepting a request. Start it now!



Written By:
Li Pei Chi
Bachelor of Public Relations (Honours)
Tunku Abdul Rahman University College

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