How to Guard Yourself from Online Scams

To help guard yourselves from online scams, it is important to know the essential precautions in browsing the internet and in dealing with diverse people. Here are the ways to avoid online scams:

1. Always Use your Common Sense and Best Judgment

Anyone can be a victim of a scam—if not too cautious! Of course, scam artists are very expert in their field. They positively look and sound exceptionally credible, patient, and wiser than you think. So, whenever you encounter a very enticing article or compelling advertisements, or any message, letter, or mail that offers too good to be true opportunities—be careful, it may possibly be a scam! Always use your common sense everytime you bump into circumstances like this. 
  

2. Never Open or Respond to a Spam or Junk Mails

Whenever you receive spam messages, it is best to delete them. Never attempt to open, respond, or unsubscribe to spam messages. Opening or responding to spam or junk mails could only give you lots of problems. You might only find yourself flooded with countless spam messages.

3. Do Not Give Out Your Personal Info, Credit Card Number, or Social Security Number

Always take precautions particularly on filling up or giving information to anyone online. Be vigilant when certain websites ask for your personal information including bank or credit card numbers, or even social security numbers (except for reasonable purposes). Do not give out your personal info unless you are dealing with authentic sites.

4. Learn to Use the Latest Browser's Security Features

The most recent version of browsers like Firefox or Internet Explorer, have improved their security features for safer internet browsing of various users. Features include: the “lock icon”, which helps you check the certificates of trusted sites by simply clicking on it; a list of phishing and malware sites, which will help notify if ever you have accessed those types of sites. It is very essential to make sure that the website you are visiting is secured, particularly when making purchases online, in order to avoid scams.

5. Use Strong Passwords, Secret Questions, and Change Passwords Regularly

In order to protect your email address from unauthorized access made by scam artists and hackers, it is worthwhile to use strong passwords including secret questions and change passwords regularly. Strong password indicates secret code that cannot be easily guessed by anyone while strong secret questions refer to security questions that you’re the only one who knows the answers.

6. Beware of Unwanted Pop-up Advertisements

Pop-up Advertisement (pop-ups) is a type of online advertising (unsolicited) that typically ask for the user’s email address. Pop-ups may contain viruses, Spyware or malware, which can be downloaded on your computer if certain link is clicked. So, never click the links on pop-ups or enter your email address no matter how fascinating they may look—it could only give you various problems.

7. Install an Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware or Anti-Malware Software

Not all websites are secured and free of virus. In fact, viruses, Trojans, Spyware or malware can be acquired by means of spam messages; free downloads: music, games, movies, etc; access to adult sites; pop-ups; and the like. So, it is very crucial to install the necessary software that can protect your computer from viruses and malicious programs while browsing the internet.

8. Investigate Online Money-making Schemes and Check Online Reviews

If certain websites or business opportunities offer ways to make a lot of money online then, it is best to use common sense and best judgment. Ask yourself if the offer is legitimate or a scam. Although there are many ways to make money online, there are also numerous forms of scams. If particular opportunity looks legitimate, then it pays to investigate by checking reviews or by searching on the Better Business Bureau's (BBB) site for the list and certifications of registered websites.