Spot the signs: How to avoid falling victim to online scams
As a rule of thumb don't trust any links or attachments in emails or social media messages you were not expecting.
Online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, warns Keletso Mpisane, head of Blink by MiWay.
“Scammers are constantly looking for new ways to deceive people, and modern technology like AI has made it even easier for them to appear legitimate.
“While life is made more convenient thanks to technology, it also presents more chances for bad actors to mislead and exploit people on social media.”
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These are some of the steps that can be taken to stay safe and protect ourselves online:
Be cautious with unexpected links
Phishing scams are one of the most common ways scammers try to trick people. These scams often come in the form of an unsolicited email or message, urging you to click on a link.
If you’re not sure about a link, don’t click on it. It’s always better to go straight to the company’s website or contact them directly.
Scammers are good at creating fake sites that look just like the real thing, but they aim to steal your information.
As a rule of thumb don’t trust any links or attachments in emails or social media messages you were not expecting. Always hover your cursor over links in emails to preview the destination URL.
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is
One of the oldest tricks in the scammer’s book is offering something that’s just too good to resist—free phones, cash prizes, or unrealistically big discounts.
This method works because it triggers emotions like excitement or worry in our brains. Just 10 seconds of mindful pausing will reactivate your logical thinking brain – so slow down before reacting to any messages that make you feel excited.
Also, keep in mind, that real companies will never ask for personal details or payment upfront for a prize.
Strengthen your accounts
Scammers often target online accounts, using them as gateways to steal even more information. Whether it’s your email, social media, or insurance account, using strong and unique passwords is crucial.
Once a scammer gets into one account, they can easily use password recovery to gain access to others. It’s best to ensure security by using a password generator and a password manager to keep your unique passwords organised.
Adding two-factor authentication, where a second device authenticates your login, adds an extra layer of protection and can help stop scammers in their tracks.
Stay educated and informed
Knowledge is power when it comes to protecting yourself from online scams. Scammers are always evolving, which means we need to stay one step ahead by keeping ourselves informed.
Regularly checking for updates on fraud prevention and knowing what to look out for can make all the difference.
“By following these steps, you can avoid falling victim to fraud or mitigate the damage that can be done,” Mpisane concludes.
“It’s always better to be cautious. If you ever feel unsure, reach out to customer care for confirmation – it’s worth taking the time to double-check.”
ALSO READ: Beware of property scammers
