William, a retired teacher in Florida, U.S.A., received an email he thought was from his internet service provider. The e-mail said that his billing information had been lost. He filled out the attached form and e-mailed it back. Unknown to him, his personal data went to Shiva, a cyber-criminal in Queens, New York. The next day, Shiva used William’s credit card number to
buy a photo ID printer on the internet. The e-mail William received was one of 100,000 Shiva had sent out. Investigators say that about a hundred people responded and were duped. Sadly, internet fraud is common. What can you do?
1. Beware of emails that contain suspicious links.
Sometimes, a Trojan Horse, or Trojan, can provide backdoor access to your computer system, which may allow scammers to have access to your private information.
2. Never respond to e-mails that promise profits that are too good to be true.
3. Don't Just Click Any link
Perhaps you have received online messages stating, “Your computer is at risk! Click here to protect your computer!” or, “Free Screensavers. Click here.” If you click there, you could activate spy software.
4. Job Seeker Beware!
If you are looking for a job on the Internet, beware. Scammers use phony online sites to collect “registration fees” and even personal financial data.
5. Turn on your Computer Firewall.
Make sure your computer firewall is always turned on and your operating system, applications, and antivirus are updated regularly.
6. Backup your files.
Regularly back up your files and store the copies safely.
7. Use common sense.
Do not be quick to trust information on the internet. Anyone inexperienced put faith in every word, but the wise one considers his every step.
8. Do not be greedy.
Beware of “free” offers or websites that sell products at extremely low prices. It could be phishing bait.
9. Beware of unsolicited emails or instant messages.
Beware of unsolicited emails or instant messages, especially if they contain links or ask for personal information, such as verification of a password.
10. Create Passwords that are difficult and Change them occasionally.
Choose passwords that are difficult for others to guess. Change your internet passwords periodically, and do not use the same password for different accounts.
11. Give credit card or banking information only to reputable
Provide your credit card or banking information only to reputable and secure Web sites.
12. Type Web Addresses Accurately.
Make sure you type Web addresses accurately, especially for financial institutions. One spelling might redirect you to a fraudulent Web site.
13. Use Secure Connections
Use encrypted connections to transmit sensitive data, such as credit card details, and log off the Web site when you have finished.
14. Always Review transactions on your credit card
Review transactions on your credit card and bank statement carefully and frequently. As soon as you spot an unfamiliar transaction, contact the company immediately.
15. Be careful when using unsecured wireless(Wi-Fi) connections
Be careful when using unsecured wireless(Wi-Fi) connections, as thieves can steal information and redirect you to fraudulent Web sites.
16. Remember this password
Say no to the question “Remember this password?” Trojan programs can harvest your stored password.
Preventing yourself from being a victim of Internet fraud, maybe more than observing all these necessary precautions, it also involves constantly updating yourself on new ways that fraudsters use in defrauding people on the Internet. Because they themselves are constantly finding new ways to squeeze something, out of people.
