5 Tips to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Fraud
It’s important to protect yourself from fraud by following these 5 tips to prevent becoming a victim. Avoid clicking on shortened URLs and clicking on phishing emails. Don’t give out personal information via social media and unprompted phone calls. Before giving out personal information, always verify the company’s reputation. In some cases, you might be forced to share personal information. These tips will help you avoid falling for fraud.
Be wary of phishing emails
Phishing emails look legitimate, but they are usually disguised as fakes. Many of these emails contain an urgent call for action, requiring recipients to click a link immediately or to send account information. Phishing emails often ask recipients to open attachments or download files. You should always be cautious of unsolicited requests for personal information and never click on links or download files. It is always safer to go to the source for any financial transactions.
Don’t click on links or shortened urls
Be wary of shortened URLs or links. Even if they look legitimate, the shortened URL could lead to fraud. Shorteners may use minor variations of legitimate web address addresses. Before clicking on a shortened URL, make sure you read the landing page address. Beware of shortened URLs. Shorten URLs are often used by fraudsters to disguise legitimate web addresses.
Social media platforms are not a place to share personal information.
Sharing too much personal information online is one of the biggest risk factors for fraudsters. Scammers may use your personal information to create fake profiles or social media accounts. These scammers can use your personal information to steal money and spread hate messages. They also trick you into sending money to fake charities. Avoid posting your full name and address on social media to protect yourself against such crimes.
Don’t provide personal information via unsolicited phone calls
Never give out personal information if you get an unsolicited call. Do not give out any personal information to anyone calling you, even if they claim to be a trusted organization like the World Health Organization or Centers for Disease Control. Before handing over any money or personal information, try to research the company. Try searching for terms like “review” or “complaint” for the company’s name. Or, try searching for the phrase “IRS call” in order to find a complaint or scam about that particular number.
Don’t provide personal information via unsolicited text messages
Never provide personal information via unsolicited text messages unless you have asked to do so. This information may be required to claim a prize, or to pursue a business opportunity. If you click the link, you will most likely be taken to a fake site where scammers steal login credentials and account information. Even worse, these unsolicited text messages can also install malware on your phone.