Some tactics on how to avoid
online fraud become obsolete after a few years or so. This is mainly because
online scams evolve over time. This is why you need to know how the latest Web
crimes are being perpetrated by criminal syndicates worldwide.
Credit card theft is still
among the most widespread Web crimes around the world today. In the USA,
analysts estimate a 125% growth of losses due to credit card theft from 2014 to
2018. This rapid increase in credit card theft is due to the new methods that
are used by criminal syndicates to steal the financial information of
unsuspecting Web users.
So, you must learn how to
avoid online fraud, especially credit card theft. Even with the new security
features that are built into the latest desktop and mobile devices, these
criminal syndicates manage to work around these security barriers. So, here are some effective tips on how to avoid online fraud and credit card theft this year:
Avoiding Online Fraud & Credit Card Theft
1. Install a
third party system security tool in all your devices. Choose a product from a
reputable company, particularly one with real time scanning, malware removal
and Web security features. Most criminal syndicates use malicious software to
circumvent the built-in protective protocols in your devices. Having a good
security tool in your devices is one way on how to avoid online fraud,
including credit card theft.
2. Use a VPN
tool with IP blocking functions. Choose one from a credible provider of unique
dedicated IP addresses in your country. This is a useful tip on how to avoid
online fraud while on the road or during your overseas travels. Remember,
criminal syndicates use wireless sniffers to steal private data and personal
information from devices that are in range. This is especially effective for
them if you're on an unsecure wireless network.
3. Be wary
of messages from unknown sources. Check links in these messages, even those
from trusted contacts. This is because these criminals can use hacked accounts
of your contacts to send out these messages and links via email, SMS, private
and instant messaging. A good tip on how to avoid online fraud is to carefully
review the URLs of links and pages before doing anything. Keep in mind that
phishing scams are designed by these scammers to lure you to fake sites where
you can be deceived into entering your account credentials and personal
details.
4. Be
careful of scammers in popular online dating platforms and apps. Many criminals
pose as legitimate users of these platforms. They act like they're searching
for prospect dates and romantic relationships.
In reality, they are just
searching for unsuspecting users that they could lure to become unknowing
participants in their product fencing and money laundering operations. A good
way on how to avoid online fraud and these boyfriend or girlfriend scams on the
Web is to immediately report suspicious users to your local authorities and to
the administrators of these dating sites and apps.
Do this if those users
suddenly ask you to receive money or products on their behalf. Some will even
lure you into venturing on a business arrangement with them where you must set
up a business in your country, along with a merchant account under your name.
All they'll do is charge stolen credit cards in your merchant account and run
away with the money, leaving you holding the bag when the authorities come
knocking on your door.
Remember these effective
tips and methods on how to avoid online fraud, especially credit card theft.
Feel free to help others by sharing your experience in the comment box below.
Share this post to your friends and colleagues, so they can also know how to
avoid online fraud while they're doing their day to day activities on the Web.
