Say Goodbye to FRAUD and THEFT!
When it comes to business/finance, we all want to feel safe and secure. Theft and fraud are serious issues that we should all be aware of. So, if you want to learn more about fraud and security scams, keep reading!
Nowadays, dealing with money scams and online fraud are more common than ever, and hackers are becoming more cunning! With just a few pieces of your personal information, criminals can commit different types of ID theft. Credit card fraud, loan fraud, and tax or government benefits fraud are all the most common types of Fraud. Fortunately, there are so many ways to protect yourself from frauds and scams. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of a few things to keep in mind when dealing with online scams.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
5 Steps to Protect Yourself Against Fraud
Here are some steps you can do today to tighten your security and protect yourself against fraud and identity theft.
# Find the Most Popular Ways Criminals Hack Your Identity
Criminals need access to your PII (Personal Identifiable Information) to steal your identity. Unfortunately, some of it may have already been exposed in a recent data breach. However, this isn’t the only way to become a victim of identity theft.
Find out where you are most likely to be attacked so that you can take precautions:
Phishing Attacks: It is also known as an imposter scam, and it happens when scammers send spam texts and emails or call you on the phone posing as someone you know.
Physical Theft: Your driver’s license, ID, or even the mail may include all the information identity thieves need to take your identity.
Shoulder Surfing: When you use your devices in public, you will get this “attack.” Once you enter your online banking password, a scammer is watching you. If they’re more sophisticated, they could intercept your Wi-Fi connection and spy on you using a man-in-the-middle attack.
Simply put, you are at risk whenever you receive an unsolicited message or call, misplace a piece of mail, use your devices in public, or browse the internet.
# Keep Your ID, Wallet, or Purse Safe
Identity thieves do not just use advanced hacking techniques. Criminals can steal your identity simply by having your identification in their possession. As a result, carrying less personal information is preferable.
Make a list of everything you have in your wallet or purse. If your wallet gets stolen, you’ll be aware of which accounts to close and how you might be put at risk. However, to increase security, keep important documents in a locked safe at home. If you’re going to pay with a credit card, use a chip or contactless reader rather than swiping.
# Reduce Your Online Footprint
Everything you do online, from Google searches to social media posts to shopping history, contributes to your online footprint. Identity thieves use this information to create phishing emails, guess your passwords, and scam your friends. While it is impossible to erase your online footprint, here are some suggestions for limiting access:
Avoid oversharing on social media: Think twice before posting. Many of us unknowingly reveal sensitive information, location data, and even personally identifiable information (PII) in social media posts.
Change your privacy settings: Your accounts should be accessible only to close friends and family. It enables you to be more creative in your posting.
Delete any old or inactive accounts. Identity thieves use old accounts for scamming or stealing passwords. If you no longer use an online service, you should disable your account or delete your data to prevent online fraud.
Create a Google Alert with your name in it. Google alert will notify you whenever your name appears on a website. While it increases your online footprint, it also reveals auto-generated content that you should delete.
# Do Not Use Public Wi-Fi (Unless You Have a VPN)
While free WiFi at an airport or a local coffee shop is convenient, it also provides an ideal opportunity for fraudsters to steal your information.
Public Wi-Fi networks are notoriously simple to compromise. An identity thief can steal your usernames and passwords if they intercept your connection.
If you need to use public Wi-Fi, follow these steps:
Make use of a cellular hotspot. Tether your phone to your laptop to prevent hackers from exploiting vulnerable Wi-Fi networks.
Make use of a virtual private network (VPN). Using a VPN is a better option. This tool encrypts your data, rendering it unusable to hackers.
# Protect Your Devices From Malware Using Antivirus Software
Hackers use malware, or malicious software, to spy on you, steal your personal information, or encrypt your devices until you pay a ransom. Many phishing messages comprise links or attachments that secretly download malware.
With so much personal information on your devices, you must keep it safe from hackers. Do not open any strange attachments or links in messages, no matter how appealing they are. Instead, you should check diligently. If you need any help with due diligence services, you can contact Diligen services.
Was Your Personal Information Stolen? Here’s What You Should Do
- Change any exposed passwords immediately and delete any inactive, vulnerable online accounts.
- IdentityTheft.gov is a website where you can report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- Ensure to file a police report with your local authorities.
- Set up a fraud alert and freeze your credit.
Remember that identity theft protection services make it easier to be proactive about digital security. Instead of reacting to data breaches or identity theft, you have peace of mind knowing someone has got your back.
The Bottom Line
In this digital age, anyone can become a victim of identity theft or a financial scam. Criminals and scam artists are becoming more advanced, taking advantage of the most recent trends and technologies. To avoid being scammed online and to protect yourself from online frauds, financial frauds, phishing scams, and attacks, you must be aware and proactive about these things.