Tips To Resist Online Scam Attempts
The safer you feel the more aware you are of scams and scam tactics, and the more aware the scammers are of you! The scammers out there on the internet are clever and motivated by money and disruption. Scammers are always developing new methods to steal your money or sensitive information. Follow our tips to avoid falling prey to scam artists. While anybody might fall prey to a con, the elderly are a particularly vulnerable demographic. Considering how much time we all spend on the internet, it is a legitimate worry. The internet was not around when the elderly were young, so it is a new concept for them and they are open to suggestions, and to contacting people. If a long-lost nephew suddenly messages an elderly person on the internet, it might be hard to know the difference between a scam and the real person!
How to resist online scam attempts?
- Think thrice before reacting – It’s not that the victims of scams are naive; rather, they fall prey to the con because they were intimidated into it by fear of missing out (FOMO) and similar techniques. Emails claiming you’ve won a large sum of money, computer virus warning pop-ups, and bogus government messages demanding “repayment” of funds or the threat of jail are all examples of such scams. These scammers want to scare you. Panic makes individuals less rational and more compliant. Take a few deep breaths and a moment to assess the situation rationally because once you make a wrong decision, you will have no control over the safety of your data. Also, it’s wise to discuss the situation with a reliable friend or family member before taking any steps.
- Recognise the patterns of a spam email – Phishing emails are increasingly tougher to recognise these days. On the other hand, if the email doesn’t come from the actual sender’s address, you can bet it’s a fraud. The use of a common email service like “@gmail.com” is a dead giveaway that an email is fake. If you’re unsure whether or not an email is legit, it’s best not to respond. Note that these are just some of the signs to spot email red flags but it’s just as important to be knowledgeable about it to avoid falling into the scammer’s trap.
- Internet deals that seem too good to be true – Internet markets like Amazon, TikTok and eBay have made it simpler than ever to purchase, but be wary of deals that seem too tempting. Don’t be too quick to jump on an unbelievable deal; instead, be sure you’ve eliminated all other possibilities before making your purchase. Signs to spot include discrepancies in the product that they are selling.
