How to Avoid Online Scams

Educate Yourself About Common Scams: Knowledge is your first line of defense. Familiarize yourself with common types of financial scams, such as phishing attempts, fake charity solicitations, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and investment fraud. Cybercriminals are cunning and continuously evolving their methods, so staying informed about new scam trends is crucial.

Verify Before You Trust: An email, message, or website may look legitimate with authentic logos and convincing language, but these can be fabricated by scammers. Always verify the source before providing sensitive information. For emails, check the sender’s email address, not just their display name. For websites, ensure the URL begins with “https://” which indicates a secure connection.

Beware of Unsolicited Requests: Be wary of unsolicited communication requesting sensitive personal or financial information. Legitimate organizations, such as your bank or the IRS, will not ask for this information via email or text message. When in doubt, contact the institution directly using a verified phone number or email address, not the contact details provided in the unsolicited communication.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Your online accounts are only as secure as your passwords. Using the same password for multiple accounts increases the risk that if one account is compromised, others will be too. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords for each of your online accounts.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. With 2FA enabled, accessing your account requires not only your password but also a second piece of information, like a temporary code sent to your phone.

Monitor Your Financial Accounts: Regularly review your bank and credit card accounts for any unauthorized transactions. Early detection of fraudulent activity is key to limiting its impact. Consider setting up alerts to be notified of any large or unusual transactions.

Keep Your Computer and Mobile Devices Updated: Software updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities. Regularly updating your devices and using security software can help protect you from scams and other cyber threats.

Be Skeptical About “Too Good to Be True” Offers: Scammers often lure victims with promises of instant wealth, fantastic prizes, or high-return investments. If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.