The internet is a wonderful tool for staying connected and accessing information, but it’s important to stay safe online. There are lots of scammers and criminals who are looking to separate you and your hard-earned money through some clever (and not so clever) deception. Here are some simple tips to help you avoid online scams and protect your personal information.
Create Strong Passwords
A good password keeps your accounts safe. Here’s how to make strong passwords:
- Mix It Up: Use a combination of letters (upper and lower case), numbers, and special characters.
- Avoid Personal Info: Don’t use easy-to-guess information like your birthday or name.
- Make It Long: Use at least 12 characters.
- Different for Each Account: Don’t use the same password for different accounts. If you have trouble remembering them, write them down and keep the list in a safe place.
Watch Out for Phishing Scams
“Phishing” scams are fake emails or messages that try to steal your personal information by impersonating reputable people or businesses. Here’s how to spot them:
- Check the Sender: Make sure the email is from someone you know or trust.
- Look at Links Carefully: Hover your mouse over links to see where they lead before clicking. You can usually see the URL in the bottom corner of the browser without clicking it.
- Don’t Share Personal Info: Legitimate companies won’t ask for personal information like credit cards, pin numbers, or gift card numbers through email.
- Verify Requests: If you’re unsure, contact the company directly using a phone number you know is real.
Keep Your Devices Secure
Make sure your computer, tablet, and smartphone are protected:
- Install Security Software: Use antivirus and anti-malware programs that you can purchase from reputable companies.
- Update Regularly: Keep your software and apps updated from the official company or app store you downloaded them from.
- Beware false advertising: The old saying, “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is” holds true on the internet. There are many advertisements for goods or services that offer unrealistic deals that will only end in them stealing your information, money, or both.
- Don’t click on suspicious links or websites: Many viruses can be inadvertently downloaded through fake advertisements for antivirus software. Make sure your purchases are from legitimate websites.
Be Safe on Social Media
Social media is great for staying in touch with old friends or your family, but use it safely:
- Privacy Settings: Adjust settings so only your friends and family can see your posts.
- Be Cautious with Friends: Only accept friend requests from people you know. Many profiles can be scammers or “bots” that are looking to acquire your information.
- Don’t Share Too Much: Avoid posting personal information like your address, phone number, or travel plans.
Shop Online Safely
Online shopping is convenient and safe through reputible businesses, but be careful:
- Stick to Trusted Sites: Shop on websites you know and trust.
- Look for HTTPS: Make sure the web address at the top of the browser starts with “https://” which means it’s a secure site.
- Use Credit Cards: They offer better fraud protection than debit cards for online purchases.
Beware of Scams
There are many types of clever scams to watch out for:
- Tech Support Scams: Scammers pretend to be tech support to get access to your computer. If you get an unexpected call or message, don’t give them access. Contact the official company directly to check.
- Gift Card Scams: Scammers ask for payment with gift cards. Legitimate companies and government agencies will never ask for gift cards as payment. If someone asks for gift cards as a payment, it’s a scam!
- Lottery or Prize Scams: If you’re told you’ve won a prize but need to pay a fee to claim it, it’s a scam.
Keep Learning
Stay informed about online safety:
- Take Safety Courses: Many organizations or communities offer free courses on internet safety, particularly for seniors who may be unfamiliar with the latest trends of scams.
- Follow Trusted Advice: Look for advice from reliable sources like official and recognizable institutions or companies. Answers from search engines are not always reliable. Also, if a friend or family member you trust is suspicious about something going on, listen to their gut feeling!
Staying safe online doesn’t have to be complicated. By creating strong passwords, being cautious of phishing and other scams, keeping your devices secure, using social media wisely, shopping on trusted websites, and continuing to learn about online safety, you can enjoy the internet without worry. Always remember, if something feels off, it’s okay to ask for help or verify the information with those you trust. Stay safe and enjoy the digital world with appropriate caution!
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