Ways To Avoid Scams Online
I just wrote a post for my website, and thought some of the information might be helpful for members of WA. The post was on ways to avoid scams online, and lists many suggestions.
According to scamspotter.org, it's expected that before the end of 2020, scammers will steal over $2 billion from online businesses. It is important to learn how to recognize a scam.
There are many kinds of scams. When you look at an opportunity and think it might be just the one you've been looking for, don't just jump right in. Take your time; investigate thoroughly before you buy. Don't allow yourself to be rushed into a decision.
Here are some things to avoid:
First, make sure you are buying from a real company. Look for company details. Do they have a street address? If they just have a P.O. box, be wary.
What do other people say about the company? Read reviews written by folks other than the company itself.
If you do get hacked, make sure your details are not shared online, as your accounts could be put at risk if details are publicly available.
Use strong passwords; use a password that is unique to that site and not used elsewhere.
Set up 2-factor authentication, especially for public companies online.
Pay with a debit or credit card, because they will give you extra protection, should you have to recoup a loss.
Learn how your bank operates. How will they communicate with you? If they call you, what security questions will they ask?
You can protect your business in some important ways. First, if you have employees, train them on how to recognize and handle scams. Make sure they know not to send passwords or sensitive information by email.
Check your invoices closely. Make sure they are for supplies that were actually ordered.
Limit the number of people who can place orders or pay invoices.
Know that if someone calls you, the caller ID can be faked. Make sure the call is legit.
Don't open attachments or downloadable files that you receive in emails that you did not expect.
Secure all your business's sensitive information. Here's a source to check to learn what you need to do: Small Business Computer Security Basics.
These are some basics to watch out for. Do your best to make your business secure.
Recent Comments
73
Eh yes! The number of online workers is growing and with the pandemic it will only increase. So the scammers hide in dark corners and try everything to catch people in their net. Unfortunately it won't stop tomorrow but it's always good to be able to have reminders like yours. It will always help that more and more people pay attention to the smoldering opportunities that promise us to get rich by the end of the day.
Ingrid
"When you look at an opportunity and think it might be just the one you've been looking for, don't just jump right in. Take your time; investigate thoroughly before you buy. Don't allow yourself to be rushed into a decision."
Great advice.
You're awesome Fran :)
Thank you for sharing good information :)
It's AMAZING how many scams are out there. Friends of mine just got scammed buying kayaks. It sounded too good to be true and if it is, you and I know, it's 99% chance a scam! Too many people fall for them but the scammers ARE getting better and harder to discern.
~Debbi
A good reminder to all, Fran. I'm now well experienced with scammers and my trust is with no-one except those I know and programmes I've signed up to.
I may miss an opportunity but rather that than take the innocent step of being caught by a scammer.
I've been near to being scammed through business, FB and private phone call within my home region, as well as other countries.
Raising awareness to those with little scam experience is a helpful and kind thing to do.
Thanks Fran.
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Your post is something I never tire of reading Fran. The internet is rife with scams and unfortunately enough people to keep them in business.
As you've stated, much of it is basic 'good practice' but does require us to be vigilant and to do our due diligence.
Thank you this.
Thank you, Twack. It's so true that there are 'way too many scams online, and we need to watch for them.
Always welcome.