How to Keep Yourself Safe from Online Scams

Scammers are getting harder and harder to avoid. They show up in your emails asking you to click on suspicious links, sending you fake text messages to get your information, and calling out of the blue to try and swindle you. Aside from reporting scam messages and blocking spam calls, there are other ways you can protect yourself from scams.

In this article, we list ways to keep yourself safe so you don't get scammed:

Secure your personal information

The most effective way to keep yourself safe from scams is by protecting your personal information. This includes securing your online accounts by having strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA).

As much as possible, don't use the same passwords for every online account so that if one account is compromised, your other accounts won't be in danger. It's also advisable to protect your devices with security software to avoid malware.

When disposing of documents that contain your personal information, shred or destroy them. For your social media accounts, it's best to keep them private to ensure no one can use your information for identity theft or other fraudulent behaviour. Update the security settings to ensure that only people you know are allowed to see what you post.

Monitor your bank transactions closely

Check your credit card payment history routinely to ensure there are no unaccounted transactions. If you do notice transactions you're certain you didn't make, report them to your credit card company immediately. Always notify your credit card provider about suspicious transactions, even if they're only a few dollars, because this means your credit card, and possibly other credit information, has been compromised.

Another way to enhance the security of your banking accounts is to change your debit card PIN and online banking passwords regularly. Don't give your banking information to unverified sources. Also, one-time passwords (OTP), especially from your bank, should never be shared with anyone.

Always do your research

If someone reaches out to you to offer an investment opportunity or a loan, the best way to verify their claims is by doing your research. Make sure that the investment opportunity or the lender they say they're from is real. Do a little digging, scour the internet for information, and ask around if anyone else has heard of the company. It's always best to get advice from an independent professional before making any investments or taking on a loan.

Some scammers pretend to be from reputable companies or lenders to trick you into trusting them. In these cases, always double-check the company information to ensure the offer you're being presented with is advertised on the official company website or marketing materials.

Avoid clicking on links

You may receive emails, text messages, or direct messages on social with links attached. If these links are from senders that you've never messaged or otherwise don't know, it's best not to click on them.

Scammers may send you malicious links that could expose your device to threats like malware and viruses, you could get redirected to fake websites, or you could fall victim to phishing attempts.

Clicking on malicious links could put your device and network at risk. Scammers could also use links to gain access to your device as well as the data on it. This includes personal information, banking details, and office network if you're using your company's device.

Only share your information with verified parties

Scammers try to get your information in various ways, but the most common is through social engineering. Malicious actors pretend to be representatives from your bank or credit card provider to trick you into giving them information they could use to steal your identity or transfer money from your account to theirs.

A common tactic is when you receive a call from an unknown number claiming to be a representative from your bank. The caller tells you that your account has been compromised, so they ask for your personal information and banking details to ensure the safety of your account.

Never divulge personal information and banking credentials to anyone other than verified personnel, especially if they're the ones to reach out to you. If you do receive a call like this, don't give them any information and call your bank or credit provider immediately to verify their claims.

Don't make split-second decisions

A lot of scammers use urgency to pressure people into making decisions that could cost them dearly. Scammers want to catch people with their guards down, and they do that by trying to wear them down. If you happen to come across something like this, don't get swayed and keep your wits about you, as the person on the other end of the correspondence likely has malicious motives.

When you encounter an overtly aggressive caller offering you a dubious deal, end the call immediately and quickly report it to Scamwatch.