How to Avoid Scams - Be Vigilant
With all the latest technology the online world and telecommunications are at risk!
It is easy for a scammer to attain personal details when pretending to be a job opportunity or some other government department or business.
These days scammers approach their victims with very convincing stories and it can be difficult to distinguish between a real opportunity and fake scammers.
First, ask yourself these 4 questions
1. Does the opportunity look too good (easy) to be true?
2. Ask yourself how this opportunity got your phone number or email?
3. Are they asking for money to enter an agreement for work?
4. Does the opportunity have a traceable online presence with reviews?
Most companies have employee reviews and other websites have legitimate reviews conducted through many search engines like Google.
Now in saying all that!
Some hidden opportunities online are genuine and pay for freelance work or short contracts of work online.
Or the opportunity might be joining a subscription-like Wealthy Affiliate and being able to create beautiful websites and get help and support to make an online business and presence.
When I joined Wealthy Affiliate in 2015 I knew it was a hidden golden opportunity because one major factor that stood out to me was the owner-operators were active in the platform.
I got genuine support and was able to message for assistance.
Plus I encountered many high-rated reviews about WA!
How to be vigilant?
I would simply highly recommend an email system that removes generated spam and recognises suspicious messages.
Anti-virus software on all devices is a must including phones!
In Australia, our voice identifies us!
Look for advanced security. Having your identity stolen is very serious.
Can I ask my fellow community at Wealthy Affiliate what they do to avoid falling short of a con?
Thanks so much
Erica
Recent Comments
14
I just delete and ignore most of them, Erica! I've got too many other things on my plate already!
Jeff
Yes, it is a time-waster Jeff when you have to check for spam.
I also delete a lot of spam.
Thanks so much for commenting
Kind regards
Erica
Thanks, Erica!
I know how it is with the time wasting, that's why I do what I do about spam!
I'm glad we are of like mind!
Jeff
Yes for sure Jeff, I just wonder about phone calls now too which suss out private info!
Can be difficult to navigate the phone in a business now too.
Erica
I avoid phone scams by paying nothing when asked over the phone. I check the sender's email address to avoid scams.
Thanks for commenting Drjec, that is a good habit to not pay over the phone. Yes, a lot of legitimate companies do not ask for payment via the phone.
I agree to check the sender's email address is another great habit.
Kind regards
Erica
See more comments
Hi Erica...this is an important topic. I try to avoid all phone calls that I don't recognize the number. And for emails, I always check the sender, then send to 'junk' if it's spam. I go on the assumption that unless I have initiated a response, it's probably spam. However, It's unfortunate how many elders get taken in innocently. Do you have a recommendation for anti-virus on your cell...that would be worthwhile.
Susan
Hello Susan,
Thanks so much for your tips. The only thing is when running a business the number is published for everyone to see. And incoming calls are part of handling enquiries.
I know why a lot of Australian businesses have bots now answering the phone, so there are only departments of the business that the caller is directed to.
I use Avast anti-virus, but I am pretty sure when you buy anti-virus for more than one device they all install onto the phone.
The other option would be to have a virtual assistant answer the phone, that way they can screen the phone calls!
I appreciate your time stopping by Susan, thanks.
Kind regards
Erica
Those are some great things to consider, Erica. I hear you! Thanks for your thoughtful response.
Cheers,
Susan
Thanks so much, Susan appreciate your thoughts.
Enjoy your week ahead
Erica
You too Erica!