As a percentage, very few web scams are sophisticated technology ploys. Most rely on social engineering to get people to do something stupid when they really should know better.
The age old things you were taught in the non-digital world still apply here. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If something doesn’t seem logical or correct, it probably isn’t. Think about everything you might do, before you do it!
Things no one should fall for
- Microsoft is really contacting you for your credit card number
- The Foreign Minister of Ghana knows you, a plumber in New Jersey
- Mark Zuckerberg wants to give you a billion dollars in Facebook shares
- The IRS even sent you an email. Never mind that it came from Russia.
- A 19 year old hottie is dying to meet you, a fat, 50 year old programmer in Boston
If your mom would tell you, “don’t be stupid,” maybe you shouldn’t do that. Just like anything else in life, if it sounds incredulous it probably is.
Conversely, there are real threats that you can avoid with a little diligence. Always be suspicious. If something doesn’t feel right, check it out. Look for things that don’t seem right.
Real considerations
- Avoid purchases that do NOT use a secured site (look for https addresses)
- Don’t answer website inquiries or emails that want financial information.
- Don’t offer any personal information to anyone that shouldn’t need it
- Use two factor checking. Verify by phone as well the web or email
- Search to see if anyone else has had a problem with a site, vendor or product
- Close your browser or turn off the computer when any link tries to force you to click on it
- Consider paying for online purchases through PayPal to add another level of protection
- Open a separate bank account to link with online payment services like Paypal.
- Never install any software on your computer without checking it out.
- Avoid using debit cards online
- Always keep current, anti-virus software on your computer
- Unless you know what you are doing, if your computer is compromised, shut it down and get help.
There is no guarantee that you won’t be compromised, but a little forethought will save you 99% of the time.
overview – what is the web – search criteria – protecting yourself – plan your time
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