If It Looks and Smells Like an Internet Scam…

When your heart tells you to take pity on the unknown foreign royalty panhandling for enough money to return home to collect an immense inheritance to share with you, try listening to your brain – this is a scam.

Millions of people are affected by internet and email hoaxes, and the tricksters are only getting cleverer. Today’s online highwaymen have an arsenal of ways to get your personal information into their hands; however, you can fight back!

Here are a few cons to watch out for and how you can beat them:

Don’t Go Phishing

Phishing is disguised as an email that lures viewers into providing login information. Through provoked fear or curiosity, those who follow these emails are tricked into handing over confidential data.

To avoid these “phishy” emails, check the validity of the source. The URL address should have an “s” after http. Typically, scammers provide links to websites that are not secure or official.

Try to be skeptical when flipping through emails. If something looks suspicious, delete it.

The Tale of the Nigerian Prince

The gist of this scam is a Nigerian Prince is trying to funnel money out of the country, and there is a hefty reward for those who help in the process.

This is a perfect “too good to be true” scenario. Simply delete this email, because the rich Nigerian Prince is just a scammer.

The Lottery Winner

Flashing lights, loud buzzing, an over-the-top female voice congratulating you – it looks like you just won the fake lottery, congrats!

These emails or popups are easy to spot, so leaving them alone is your best option. There is no free lunch on the internet, so these lotteries are never legitimate.

Bad Credit, Great Loans

These scams attempt to convince viewers that their company can provide the loans you need to purchase anything you want without having an acceptable credit history.

They also offer credit deals that require upfront payments. Major credit card companies do not usually do this, so keep an eye on “get rich quick” offers.

More Money Can Cause More Problems

Scams will sometimes try to trick viewers by offering to purchase something of yours for much more than it’s worth.

For instance, if you sell your vehicle, a scammer will try to buy it with a huge check. However, after the buyer receives the item, victims realize their banks will not accept the money. This is because the scammers likely forged an almost perfect signature on a stolen check.

The fake money seems legitimate all the way until the end. If you are selling something, do not accept ridiculous offers.

Scammers Need Not Apply

If you would like to apply for a job, only send what is required. Usually, this means a resume, a cover letter and a few things about yourself, but scammers are looking for much more.

An honest company will likely not ask for your banking information or your personal identification right away. If this is the case, your perfect job may just be a perfect trick.

Don’t Always Be the Good Samaritan

A disaster will never go to waste for scammers. In the event of a flood, earthquake or other natural occurrence, use caution when sending funds to charities for disaster relief.

Do research on the organizations you wish to send money to.

Two Tickets to Nowhere

What you are inhaling isn’t a pleasant fragrance of tropical Caiman Island fruit or the salty ocean air of Costa Rica; that is the smell of deceit!

Advertisements to go on vacation are one thing, but travel scams offer exotic trips with prices that cannot be beat. If you are looking to relax on a beach or take a ride on a cruise, you should plan the trip yourself, or use an agency to help you schedule.

The best way to avoid being scammed is by protecting yourself with updated tech security. Client-Tech has the experience and tools to keep your personal information out of unwanted hands. Contact us today to see how we can help you stay internet safe!