Everyone is on the Internet now. I know. My already slow service has ground almost to a halt. I can’t even watch a YouTube video without constant interruptions of the dreaded stalled circle trying to return the video to something I could actually view.
It seems as though the number of emails I’m getting that are ready and waiting to solve every problem has increased dramatically. Am I wrong? Emails abound from an undisclosed source with a “too good to be true” subject line and only one thing in the body of the email – a clickable link. DON’T click on the link! You could be scammed.
In times like these, scammers are working overtime. Don’t get sucked into every interesting headline that makes enticing promises. If you’ve never heard of the source, it is well worth your time to check it out. Here are five things you can do to avoid Internet scams.
1. Make sure the message comes from a legitimate source. Assuming there is a website listed, check out their About page to see if it sounds legitimate. They should have a working contact page that gets you a response when you submit a question. Google them for reviews. Look for complaints from the Better Business Bureau or Federal Trade Commission.
2. Use a password manager. Of course, you know not to use “password” or “1234” as passwords to sites where you have accounts. But are you guilty of creating a clever password that’s easy for you to remember and using it over and over? Bad idea!! Identity theft is always a threat when you use simple or reused passwords online. If you don’t need to access passwords on multiple devices or within the family, there are free password manager apps that will store your passwords for you and help you create secure passwords that are more difficult to hack.
Consumer Reports recently reviewed password manager apps. They checked for data privacy, security and usability. Their top-rated app just happens to be the one I’ve used for several years now – 1 Password. I have hundreds of passwords, so a password manager is a must. Currently, 1 Password is $60/year for families when billed annually or $36/year for an individual. And you can get 12.5% back if you sign up through Rakuten, my favorite cash-back service! (Psst – you can sign up free here: https://www.rakuten.com/r/VPEEL2?eeid=28187 )
Rounding out the top four password managers as reviewed by Consumer Reports are: Keeper Password Manager, Bitwarden Free and Dashlane Free. Most offer free trials.
3. Be careful of phishing scams. Scammers often send legitimate-looking emails that include logos of reputable companies. However, if you are asked to verify personal information in an email, you can be sure it’s a scam. No reputable company will ask you to submit personal data through an email. If you get an email that says “we’ve been trying to reach you”, do not click on it. If the email indicates it is from a company with which you do business, contact the company through another method and inquire if they are in fact trying to reach you. Most likely, they are not. So, avoid giving personal data via email to avoid being scammed.
4. Watch out for entering contests with enticing prizes. Although not every contest is a scam, some may be. If you enter a scamming contest, a bot will be downloaded that continually sends your personal information to other scams. Do some research about the contest before entering. Some are actually legitimate. I’m still expecting to be notified any time about winning the HGTV Dream Home!
5. Beware of offers that address current world or local circumstances. –Coronavirus scams are currently circulating, such as those that will help you get your relief check quickly or companies that say they have ample supplies of toilet paper you can get at unbelievable prices! Other current scams include fake charities, online dating scams, lucrative work-at-home offers and fake prizes. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, you know the drill – it probably is too good to be true!
The entire world is in a vulnerable position right now. So, take your time and investigate offers that appear to be quick and easy solutions to common problems many people are experiencing. Staying safe involves more than social distancing. It involves being alert and cautious about possible Internet scams. So, keep your distance and stay safe!