Let’s face it, your information is everywhere on the internet. From your various social media accounts and official emails to online banking apps, you have shared tons of personal information on different platforms. Although sometimes, it is the ultimate need of time to reveal ‘some’ of your information, the real question is, “is it safe to do so?”
For example, how can you find out if your personal details are in good hands or not? Well, unfortunately, there’s no sure-fire formula to determine what websites are ‘leaking’ your personal information to third parties or scammers. Therefore, the best you can do is limit the sharing of personal or financial details up to some extent.
According to research, one of the most common examples of financial fraud is identity theft which occurs when online scammers ‘steal’ your personal information and access your credit card or financial accounts easily. These scammers might also use your personal information to commit any sort of crime, medical benefits, apply for a different job, register for a credit card, or even invest in a car or house, etc.
The major reason behind the growing identity theft is our electronically plugged-in communities where we freely share personal information with no regard for our security. For instance, it may not seem like a big deal to post your vacation photos on Twitter or Facebook, or to or update your professional details on your LinkedIn Profile. However, the reality is that a thief sometimes may need only your name and date of birth to commit identity theft. Loaded with just tiny bits of personal data, an online webpage or software can literally put your financial life in ruins!
Keep Your Devices Updated
Keeping your computers and mobile devices updated is not only great for the overall information processing and speed but also to keep you away from online scammers. Having the latest security application or the web browser is the ultimate defense against all types of threats, viruses, malware, or scams. All you need to do is just turn on automatic updates so you can receive the latest online fixes on time, as soon as they become available.
Set Strong Passwords
Setting strong passwords is one of the best ways to keep your account from hackers. A typical example of a strong password is a mixture of numbers, upper and lowercase letters, and special characters. Never set a password that matches your email address in any way, as it could be easy to guess. You need to watch out for your passwords on frequently used accounts, and avoid setting the same password for multiple accounts.
Beware of Phishing Scams
Always watch out for phishing scams. There are numerous fraudulent emails and websites on the internet that reach out to you randomly and ask you to disclose any private information or login details. Never click on any dialogue boxes or links that ask you to open any attachments or frequent pop-up screens that occur from sources you aren’t familiar with. Always make sure to forward such scams to the relevant legal authorities. It would help you and thousands of others to stay away from online fraud.
Do Not Share Your Personal Information
Sharing your personal information on social media accounts is a big no-no! Never reveal your personal details like full name, ID card number, address, or even phone number on any online platforms. You never know how scammers can use your personal information to dig out your passwords or reset your accounts for multiple frauds. Always lock your profile and avoid connecting with strangers on social media accounts.
Opt for a Secure Internet Connection
You need to protect your home internet connection with a strong password. Even while connecting to open or locked public Wi-Fi networks, be careful about what details you are sending over it to log in. The most important thing is to get the most secure and safest internet connection for your home and workplace so that you stay away from the reach of scammers or cyber-threats.
For instance, you can always rely on secure internet connections like Hawaiian Telcom Internet which protects your devices from all sorts of risks and vulnerabilities. Moreover, they are offering incredibly affordable internet packages starting from $54.99 per month only!
Shop from Reliable Websites Only
Before loading up your online shopping cart, always ensure that the website uses secure technology to keep you safe from scammers. When you reach the checkout screen, always verify the web address. The general rule of thumb is to take a look at the address – it should always begin with https.
Besides this, you need to check if they have any tiny locked ‘padlock’ symbol appearing on the webpage. Be extremely vigilant while sharing your financial details or transferring money online. Before shopping, always look for the website ratings and customer reviews. The best way to remain safe from online frauds is to always purchase from tried and tested websites that you have shopped with before as well.
The Bottom-line
If you ever feel that your personal information has been leaked by any online sources, or you find out that you’re at risk, contact your bank immediately and make them aware of the ongoing situation. Never hesitate from conveying the whole information as it can save you from further losses. The bank is going to give you the best advice and freeze your accounts temporarily so that no further amount can be taken out in any way by the scammers. This can help prevent any fraudulent transactions and also help to investigate the identity and location of the scammers.
Although any of us can fall into financial scams, still, with these tips, we can always be safer and avoid major financial losses. Moreover, the internet is full of online security tips that you can easily access at any time of the day. We suggest you go through them and enjoy a safe browsing experience.
However, the key here is to have a stable internet connection that does not give you a hard time loading the web pages. For your convenience, you can always opt for high-speed internet connections like Spectrum that offers amazingly affordable deals to its clients along with flawless coverage in all corners of your house. For further details, please call on Spectrum phone number and get more information about their monthly internet packages, Mbps, and instant connectivity.
