Written by Vardhini Mohan | Updated: September 9, 2020 02:55:02 pm
Online Scams !
A scam is nothing but a dishonest scheme or a fraud. With the continuous advancement of technology, it has become way easier for people to make scam calls, etc.
Types of Online scams!
Online Scams can be through texts, calls emails, and even through online shopping. For example, SMS that pretends to be from your bank who try to get your details or money transfer. In such cases, check if the new text from the bank has any link, if there is a sense of urgency, or even if it isn’t secure. Also, there are Online Loan Scams, Online Banking Scams, Online University Scams.
So many online scams take place through online shopping websites. Check if the website is secure, is the payment method is secure. Again, if there is a sense of urgency and if the deal/doffer sounds too good to be true, it is mostly a scam.
Mails nowadays are a very easy platform for scammers. Mails that have spelling mistakes, a sense of urgency, that ask for any unnecessary details, etc, stay away from them. Remember to check and confirm the information about the sender.
One of the most popular ways of getting scammed is through phone calls where people pretend to be from your bank provider and collect sensitive information like your card details, address, etc.
What to do?
- 1. Check if the number has already been reported as a scam by anyone else using an application like True Caller. Also, doesn’t mean that all the spam callers can be identified using such services.
- 2. Spot the imposters when they try representing a Government agency, Trusted bank, or anyone you trust.
- 3. Do not pay upfront for anything through one call or text. Research about it first.
- 4. Do not give any sensitive information to the person through text, SMS, or mail for that matter. Keep your details to yourself until they confirm if they are who they are.
- 5. Do not always fall for free offers, or discounts and give away your details. They pretend to take your details for formality purposes but mostly end up scamming you.
- 6. Check if it is a recorded call. If yes, then they can cause more trouble than you think.
Lastly, I would suggest you sign up for free scam alerts from the FTC(Federal Trade Commission) to know any details or how to report online scams to police at ftc.gov/scams.
If you experience any scams, make sure to complain at ftc.gov/complaint.
Also read,
- Are Online Classes Propitious or Pernicious?
- Vodafone Idea re-brand themselves as Vi – Together For Tomorrow