HOW TO FIGHT AND PREVENT SCAMMERS ONLINE

This world is now being driven by Information and Communication Technology (ICT); and its impacts are felt in our lives directly and indirectly. The world of ICT has made everyday tasks much easier for everyone and we cannot continue to ask for more benefits. Every sector of the economy in various nations has welcome the use of ICT due to its incredible results and future potentials.

Despite its tremendous benefits, there have been a growing rise of fraudulent practices online. These nefarious actions by fraudsters online can, no doubts, discredit all the gains of the ICT interventions. This has led many ICT experts committed to finding possible solutions for these fraudulent practices.

It is important to note that as long as ICT keeps playing its amazing roles in our lives, fraudsters will continue to identify means and gaps to swindle innocent online users. We all have to play our parts in order to curb the menance of unscrupulous criminals online. Every online users must be responsible and responsive while using the internet.

Below are tips on possible ways to fighting and preventing scammers online. The internet would be safe for us if we all take action always.

There is a popular saying that evils thrive when good people don’t report them or do anything about their bad actions. It’s important for all internet users to always report any fraudulent practice to all and sundry as much and as fast as possible.

Be careful of whatever links or website address you are advised to click or visit. Try to avoid many information that does not make sense to you or objective. For example, “How to make 1 million in a week!” Click here to learn more. This statement is very enticing to everybody and so you much tread with caution. Never let greed or immediate gains guide your decisions online.

It is very important to keep confidential all information about yourself especially with you are not sharing it with a trusted friend or website portal online. The more personal information you reveal online the easier for scammers to swindle you.

There is a reason for using the internet. Don’t get distracted easily by many attractive adverts, unsolicited messages or advice. It is better to stay off when you have achieved your aims. Know why you are using the internet at every point in time.

For websites today or internet platforms have made it compulsory to login in order to have access to the websites. Be very discreet with your login details and ensure that you logout after use. This is very important if you are using a shared computer system like in the office, cyber cafe, etc.

Never share or input your bank and ATM card details to or on any website platform that you can’t trust. There are many reputable websites around the world that would request for your bank account or ATM card details while shopping online or trying to pay for a particular service/product. On the other hand, there are many dubious websites across the world that you should not share your bank account or ATM card details with.

It is very smart of you to make adequate findings about a website or internet portal before sharing your vital information with them. Ask questions, find out their address or location, see the reviews about the website, etc. This will prevent you from falling in the hands of scammers online.

Let your findings about the websites guide your next step. Never be in a hurry to commit yourself because of an immediate reward promised to you. It’s hard to get your fingers burnt if you are not in a hurry to act on the offer or personal information requested.

Sharing your experience with others irrespective of the outcome helps others to make decisions in the future. This can be as a review, feedback, etc. It enables good use of the internet so that it becomes a safe place for use as information is vital.

Many reputable websites would offer you to pay upon delivery. Some others would offer you a specific period to place a return request if the product purchased does not meet your expectations. Some websites would offer your a refund. Kindly read carefully the policies or legal guidelines about a product or service before paying. Many scammers would not let you share the risks with them. Once these scammers take your money, they move to the next potential victims. So, you need to be cautious.