The internet is a very important part of our everyday lives. We use it for so many things and activities such as shopping, banking, socialising, and even work. 

As with most things, it comes with cons; one of which is online scams and fraud. This has become rampant especially with our increased use of the internet. These scams can be very damaging, both financially and emotionally. 

We have some tips on how to avoid being scammed on the internet.

1. Be cautious of unsolicited emails and messages

One of the most common ways scammers try to defraud people is through unrequested emails and messages that require you to enter personal information, passwords and or financial details. 

These messages can be disguised as legitimate offers from organizations you know or use but they are usually scams. Check the urls (links), spellings or colour differences. 

Avoid clicking links from messages or emails that asks for your personal information or financial details, especially if it is from an unknown source.

2. Use strong passwords

Scammers are known to gain access to apps and accounts to carry out their crimes so a strong password is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself from online scams. 

A strong password should be at least eight characters long, and should include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords like “123456” or “password.”

3. Keep your Apps and softwares up to date

Regulary updating your apps and ares is vital in protecting yourself against online scams. This is because software updates usually include security features that fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited by scammers. 

Make sure to update your operating system, web browser, and antivirus software regularly too.

4. Be careful when using public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks are free and fun to use but they can also be dangerous. Hackers can easily see and access the data you send and receive over public Wi-Fi networks. So,  avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities like online banking, shopping or creating accounts.

5. Verify the authenticity of websites

A major online scam trick is to create fake websites that look so much like legitimate ones. This is done to get people enter their personal information which the scammers then use to log into the victims' accounts on the legitimate websites. 

Financial institutions, aids and charity websites, email platforms are some of the legitimate websites usually cloned by scammers. 

Before entering any personal information on a website, make sure it is legitimate by checking the URL (link) to ensure it is spelt correctly and also look for a padlock icon in the address bar, which indicates that the website is secure.

6. Trust your instincts

If an offer seems too good to be true, that's because it probably is. Trust your instincts and be cautious of any offer that seems ridiculously good. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to make you act quickly, so take your time and do your research before making any decisions.

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Online scams are becoming more sophisticated every day. By following these tips, you can protect yourself from being scammed on the internet. Remember to always be cautious and trust your instincts when using the internet. Stay safe!

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