How To Stay Safe Online?

Is it possible that I might lose delicate information while browsing online on various websites or applications? Potentially yes. There are various websites or applications created by tricksters to conceive delicate information from unsuspecting users and use it further in fraudulent activities. However, there are various steps you can follow to avoid and obtain online safety from potential tricksters and several online scams.

What are online scams?

Online scams are deceptive schemes conducted over the internet with the aim of deceiving sensitive information from unsuspecting individuals or organisations. These scams frequently take the shape of emails, websites, or messages designed to dupe victims into delivering personal data, money, or device access. Moreover, scammers use various common online scams, which include phishing and romance scams. Tech support scam, lottery scam, and more. However, for security, one should exercise awareness and caution, which can typically help you avoid falling victim to unscrupulous online scams and elude inherent risks and substantial losses.

The top 5 common online scams to watch out for

Scammers employ various tactics to lure and mislead potential victims into giving out personal data and using it further in fraudulent activities. Listed below are some common online scams that one should watch out for:

1. Phishing scams – This is a type of scam where the scammer, posing as legitimate sources, such as banks or credit card entities, sends you an email or text message. The email or text message sent by the scammer will often ask you to click on a link that requires you to provide your personal information, such as your login credentials or credit card number. However, once you enter your confidential information, the scammer will steal your information and use it to commit deceit.

2. Romance scams – In this tactic, scammers associate with you on an online dating app, claiming to be a business tycoon, celebrity, or someone who is really fond of you. They try to build a relationship quickly and ask for money or sensitive information in the name of their relationship. Once you have provided personal information or money, they steal it and escape.

3. Tech support scams – These scams involve the scammer posing as a tech executive calling you and claiming that there is a problem with your devices, including your computer. Further, they offer to fix the problem for you but charge you a ubiquitous fee. However, in reality, there is no problem with your devices, and the scammer is just trying to steal your personal information or money.

4. Lottery scams – This is a type of scam where scammers tell you that you have won a cash prize or lottery, but you need to pay a fee to claim your prize. But in reality, there is no lottery, as claimed. Once you pay a certain amount of money, scammers steal it and abscond.

5. Advance fee scams – In this tactic, scammers request unsuspecting victims to pay an upfront fee or charge for a promised service, prize, or opportunity, but in reality there isn’t any offer or prize, which results in substantial losses for the victim.

How can you identify fake profiles and accounts?

Identifying fake profiles and accounts online can be challenging and complex, as scammers often try to create a convincing persona to lure you into giving out personal information. However, there are a few steps you can follow to identify them, which include:

• • Inspect the profile information – Fake profiles often have incomplete or inaccurate information. For instance, the name would be made up of a random string of letters or numbers, or the bio may be generic and short.

• • Scrutinise the profile picture – Fake profiles often employ low-quality or stock photos as profile images. Therefore, it is imperative to perform a reverse image search on the image to check if it appears on other websites.

• • Look at the account activity – If you come across a profile that is often inactive or has very little activity going on, it can be suspicious. Scammers often create accounts and don’t post any sort of content, or do so once in a blue moon.

• • Check the number of followers and friends – If you come across a profile that has a disproportionately large number of followers or friends in comparison to the quantity and quality of posts they have generated, it can be apprehensive. Scammers often use deceptive tactics and purchase followers or friends to make their accounts appear legitimate.

• • Be cautious of accounts that ask for personal information – If you come across or associate with a profile that asks for personal information, such as your phone number, email address, or other financial information, it is likely to be a red flag. Scammers use this information further to commit identity theft or other crimes.

How can you stay safe from falling victim to an online scam?

Staying safe from online scams needs various tips and tricks; mentioned below are some of the most common steps you can use to safeguard yourself:

• • Refrain from giving out sensitive information to unknown sources through unsolicited messages, emails, or direct messages on social media platforms. Scammers often impersonate someone they aren’t and use urgency, fear, or offers that seem too good to be true to lure victims.

• • Before associating with someone online or providing any personal or financial information, verify the legitimacy of the source. Connect with the legal entities directly using official contact information to confirm the request.

• • Generate unique and strong passwords for your online accounts. Consider having 8–12 characters in your password, including upper and lower case, numbers, and even symbols, to make it daunting.

• • Install two-factor authentication or 2FA, on your online accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a text message or authentication app code, alerting you about the ongoing deception on your online interface.

• • Check the links and URLs before entering personal or financial information. Look for “https://” and a padlock icon in the address bar, and associate with them instead of “http://” .

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