Scammed? Not Me!

 

Hello everyone! Audra here.

The Internet has become an integral part of our daily lives. Such a wonderful, creative invention shared with the world to help and inform us on everything from shopping to research to socializing! It has given us the ability to reach out and touch new friends – like you! 

However, this familiarity has also created a breeding ground for scammers and nogoodniks (as my dad would say). Online scams take many forms, including phishing emails, fake websites, fraudulent advertisements, and malware attacks. As much as you think it might not happen to you, believe me, scams can worm their way into lives before you realize it.

1. Stay vigilant:

The first step in avoiding online scams is to be aware that they exist. Scammers use sophisticated techniques to trick people into giving away personal information or money, and they can be very convincing. Be wary of any unsolicited emails or messages that ask for personal information or money. Remember the old adage: if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

2. Use trusted websites:

When shopping online or using other services, make sure you use trusted websites. Look for the padlock icon in the address bar. Many hosting services offer SSL for free and stand behind the domains they host. Check the website's privacy policy and terms and conditions to ensure that your information is being handled properly. Always deny access to cookies except for the most necessary.

3. Keep your software up to date:

Keeping your computer and other devices up to date with the latest software updates and security patches can help protect you from online scams. Scammers often target older software with known vulnerabilities. By keeping your software up to date, you can minimize the risk of being targeted by these types of scams.

4. Be careful with email attachments and links:

Phishing emails often contain attachments or links that can download malware onto your computer or take you to a fake website designed to steal your information. Always be careful when opening email attachments or clicking on links, especially if the email is from an unknown sender. More on this in a little bit.

5. Use strong passwords:

Using strong passwords is an essential step in protecting yourself from online scams. Avoid using simple passwords that can be easily guessed or hacked. Instead, use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols to create a strong password. Password managers are available to help you remember your passwords and generate strong passwords for you. Personally, I don’t use these services and prefer to write my passwords in a notebook, not on my computer.

6. Don't overshare on social media:

Be careful about the information you share on social media. Scammers can use information you post online to target you with personalized scams. Talk about the rotten neighbor at the block party! For as much as you want to share all the fun and memorable events with others, think about creating identities for you and your family that can’t be traced easily. Avoid posting personal information, such as your full name, address, or phone number, on social media. Also, be cautious about accepting friend requests from people you don't know.

7. Watch out for fake charities:

Scammers often use natural disasters or other tragedies to set up fake charities and solicit donations from unsuspecting victims. Go to the charity directly rather than through the proffered link. Research a charity before donating to ensure that it is legitimate. Look for information about the charity's mission and their history.

8. Trust your instincts

Finally, trust your instincts when it comes to online scams. If something seems suspicious or too good to be true, it probably is. If you receive an email or message that asks for personal information or money, take a moment to think before responding. Don't be afraid to ask for more information or to verify the sender's identity before taking any action.

I have a true story to share - the one that inspired this post. It started with a conversation with a woman wanting to purchase some land I had inherited in Lithuania. THAT is a long story (for another time!). These people had done their research - unfortunately for me - and I felt they were legitimate. It wasn’t until I checked out the links she had included in an email that I realized it was a con.

I immediately shut down my computer, but knew it was too late to avoid any malware that might have been downloaded. The next day, I tried to schedule an appointment with my Geek Squad (using that laptop) to have them look through my computer. There was a curious blip on the screen that should have flagged my brain that something was up, but oh nooooo, I cruised ahead and talked to a nice lady - dressed in Geek garb - about using a remote clean up. Let’s not relive the entire sordid affair, but once I realized Geek Care was not Geek Squad, I had already allowed them access to my drive.

I repeat, it was a tiny blip on my screen but that was long enough for them to redirect me to their scam site. 

I took my computer (physically) to Geek Squad, explained this scam happened on their site and left it to their techno-gurus to fix. They were backlogged and said it would take 3 to 4 days to finish. I didn't care; I just wanted it fixed! When I returned to pick it up the next day, they explained a tech had completed a project ahead of schedule and picked up my ticket. He or she spent 10 hours cleaning up my drive. They uninstalled and installed some apps, ran deep diagnostics, and updated my security.

10 hours to clean up planted malware!

I thought I knew all about scams. I had attended numerous trainings on the subject while I worked for the County - we had hands-on sessions. I regularly take my computers in for tune-ups. My son constantly harps on all of us to avoid the traps I had fallen into. Despite all these precautions, a scammer got lucky. 

None of us are immune.

The adage of “if something seems too good to be true, it probably is,” is one to burn in your gray matter, no doubt. BUT, sometimes we need to be vigilant with our tried and true sites, as well. There was a time when being skeptical wasn’t a welcome trait. Unfortunately, the world around us requires us to be vigilant whether we want to or not.

How about you? Are you ready to fight the good fight and keep the scammers at bay? Has anyone fallen prey to a scam that caught you in the blink of an eye? Let's share. Maybe through our experiences, we can help others before it happens.

~   ~   ~

Audra Harders writes "rugged stories with heart" featuring fearless men who haven't a clue about relationships, rescued by ladies who think they have all the answers. In real life, she's married to her own patient hero, has two adult children, and a very strong-willed Corgi. She began writing right after her second kidlet was born and sold her first book to Love Inspired mere months before that same young adult graduated from high school. Surviving those years in between reminds her God does have a plan for her life...and that He has a tremendous sense of humor. You can visit Audra at:

Website: https://www.audraharders.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/audrahardersauthor/