Avoid being a victim of a SCAM!
Hatim Khan ??? ???? ???
??Google Certified Digital Marketer ?? Featured in National Geographic Magazine ?? AI Content Creator ?? Digital Transformation Strategist ?? Mentor & Consultant ?? Drone Pilot ?? Photographer ?? Videographer???
SCAMS TARGET EVERYONE
Scams target people from all walks of life, all ages, and all economic levels all around the world. There is no one set of people who are more prone to fall victim to a scam; we are all vulnerable to scams at some point in our lives.
Scams succeed by imitating the actual thing and catching you off guard when you least expect it. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, taking advantage of new technology, new products or services, and important events to fool you into giving them your money or personal information.
PROTECT YOURSELF
Be aware that there are scammers out there. Always consider the risk of a scam when dealing with uninvited interactions from people or businesses, whether it's over the phone, by mail, email, in person, or on a social networking site. Remember, if something appears to be too good to be true, it most likely is.
You should be aware of who you're dealing with. Take some time to do some additional research if you've only met someone online or are dubious about the validity of a company. Search the internet for individuals who may have dealt with them by using a Google image search on photos. If you receive a message or email from a friend that looks weird or out of character for them, contact them directly to ensure it was sent by them.
Do not respond to strange texts, pop-up windows, any links or attachments in emails; instead, delete them: If you're not sure, use an impartial source like a phone book or an online search to confirm the contact's identification. Use the contact information provided in the message you received instead.
Even if the caller mentions a well-known organization, don't respond to phone calls concerning your computer requesting remote access — hang up. Scammers will frequently request that you turn on your computer to solve a problem or install a free upgrade, which is actually a virus that will steal your passwords and personal information.
Keep your personal information safe. Before throwing out your bills and other essential documents, lock your mailbox and shred them. Passwords and pin numbers should be kept in a secure location. Use extreme caution while sharing personal information on social media platforms. Scammers might create a phony identity or target you with a scam using your information and photos.
Keep your PCs and mobile devices safe. Always safeguard your data with a password, don't share access with others (especially remotely), keep your security software up to date, and back up your files. Protect your WiFi network with a password and avoid accessing online banking or providing sensitive information on public computers or WiFi hotspots.
Passwords should be chosen with caution. Select passwords that are tough to guess and keep them updated on a regular basis. A strong password should be made up of a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Use different passwords for different accounts/profiles, and never disclose your passwords with others.
Examine your social media privacy and security settings. If you use social networking sites like Facebook, be cautious about who you connect with and understand how to use your privacy and security settings to keep safe. Take steps to secure your account and report it if you notice suspect behavior, click on spam, or have been duped online.
Any requests for your personal information or money should be avoided. Never pay money to someone you don't know or trust, or give them your credit card information, online account information, or copies of personal papers. Money laundering is a criminal offense, therefore don't accept to transfer money or commodities for someone else.
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Be aware of payment requests that seem out of the ordinary. Scammers may frequently request that you pay with an unusual way, such as prepaid debit cards, gift cards, iTunes cards, or virtual currency like Bitcoin.
When shopping online, be cautious. Always utilize an online purchasing provider that you know and trust, and be wary of offers that appear too good to be true. Think twice about using virtual currencies (like Bitcoin) because they lack the same security as regular payment methods, meaning you won't be able to retrieve your money back once you've sent it.
HOW TO SPOT A FAKE
Clues for spotting a fake document
Documents are easily faked. Some will look just like the real thing but others might have?warning signs, such as:
Documents such as flight itineraries and bank statements have simple, uncomplicated layouts even when they are legitimate because such businesses allow their customers to print online statements. This means that scammers can easily create fake?documents by using information available online such as?company logos and graphics from websites.
Clues for spotting a fake email
Scammers can easily fake an official-looking email, using the same logo and design as the real company.
Often your guard is down when you receive an email from a company you've dealt with before or an online?shopping site you use. If you're not expecting an email, always be alert to a fake before clicking on any links or opening any attachments.
FOLLOW UP SCAMS
Scammers will often try to take advantage when you’re feeling vulnerable and try to extract more money from you through a follow up scam.
These are only a few of the follow up approaches scammers may use try to get more money from you. New approaches could be quite different from the original scam and could come quickly or some time later. Scammers may have passed your details to other scammers who use?entirely different methods and the new approach may seem totally unrelated to the original scam.