Understanding the Threat of Online Scammers
The internet has become a normal part of our daily lives, offering convenience and accessibility. However, it also presents significant risks, especially when it comes to online safety. Scammers are constantly devising new tactics to deceive unsuspecting individuals and compromise their sensitive information. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential threats and take proactive measures to protect yourself from falling victim to online scams.
Recognizing Common Scam Tactics
Scammers employ various strategies to exploit individuals online, such as phishing emails and fake websites. Fake websites are designed to mimic trustworthy platforms, luring users into disclosing their sensitive data, especially login credentials.
Phishing emails look like any other email. They often appear to be from legitimate sources, encouraging recipients to click on malicious links or provide personal information. How do these links qualify as malicious? It looks like a link to a familiar site or maybe the email says there is a photo from a good friend, or that you have an opportunity to win money. However, instead of just showing the site with the photo or gift card, when the link is clicked on a file is placed on the computer or phone or tablet which allows the sender to obtain information from the victim’s files stored on that device.
Many times, the link takes the victim to a fake web page with a sign in form. It looks like the legitimate web page of a well-known site. The victim fills in the login credentials to the regular site, which they believe they are on, but there is no login. Instead, the file that was downloaded by clicking the link allows the sender of the email, the attacker or scammer, to capture that login information. Now that scammer can login to the legitimate site and get more information, or steal money from an account, or make fake posts as if they are the actual user.
Exercising Caution and Vigilance
There are simple ways to check before clicking to see if the link will take you to a real site or a faked site, or no site at all. Hover over the link with your mouse without clicking. Press and hold the link if using a phone or tablet. The actual URL address off the link should show on the screen. Take a careful look. Is there anything unusual about that link? Does it have a .php at the end, meaning it is a file? Does it have a .exe at the end, showing an executable file that might start doing something in the device when it is clicked on? If it does not look exactly like the actual site URL, don’t click on it.
You can open a browser, type in the actual normal site address and see if the URL matches. You can call your bank, if the email seems to be from your bank, on the regular line you know to use and ask about the details from the email you received and see if there is any truth to it. If a friend sends a link to a photo on a specific platform, sign in to the platform as usual, instead of clicking the link. Or call your friend to confirm that they sent the email.
Simple Security Measures
Utilize unique and long passwords for each site you log in to. Use a secure password manager to help, and if possible, make sure to use two-factor or multi-factor authentication. If your phone needs a password AND your face or finger ID, that is multi-factor authentication. There are several factors to choose from: Something you have (physical), something you know (password), something you are (fingerprint/face ID/retinal scan), something you do (gesture, stride). Most frequently used are something you know and something you are.
There are devices available that generate a random set of numbers and letters. They can be connected to the device by Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and offer another option that an online scammer does not have access to. This is an example of something you have. So, even if they capture your login credentials, they would not be able to login to the site without the thing you have. This is another layer of defense against being scammed. You may click on a link and even enter a username and password, but only you know the code on the device you have, and that is not going to be the same the next time the scammer tries to use your stolen login information.
Seeking Reliable Resources and Assistance
In the event of encountering suspicious online activity or potential scams, it is essential to seek assistance from credible sources. Reporting fraudulent emails or websites to the appropriate authorities can contribute to the enforcement of laws against online scamming.
Conclusion
Maintaining vigilance and implementing security practices are both essential to safeguarding yourself from online scammers. If you have older relatives and friends, share these tips with them to help them keep from being scammed. Whether they are being conned in person or online, we all need to watch each other’s backs.
Your online safety is in your hands. If you know someone who needs a helping hand with their online safety, reach out. Stay informed, stay protected, help others.
Next time we will look at social engineering tactics used in person by scammers.