Top 10 Ways to Avoid Phishing Scams
There are a number of ways to avoid being the victim of phishing scams that aim to commit online identity theft or solicit money from you. We’ve compiled the best anti scam methods to help you keep your money and your sanity.
1. Be suspicious of demanding or threatening e-mails. Don’t be intimidated into acting without thinking! A legitimate business should not request personal information from you over an unsecured Web site.
2. When in doubt, call the business customer service number to confirm the status of your account.
3. Do not use telephone numbers found on suspected Web site or email.
4. Be careful regarding downloads, as installing unknown software on your computer can put your personal information at risk and potentially harm your computer’s hard drive. Always make sure the software comes from a legitimate Web site, not an e-mail message.
5. Always type in the URL of the Web page you need. Phishing schemes depend on embedded links that take you to fake sites.
6. Protect information like your login ID, password or Social Security number at all times.
7. Keep your computer up-to-date with anti-virus and firewall programs.
8. Keep updated with the latest security improvements of your software providers.
9. Use common sense, if it feels weird, or too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t be tempted by easy money or cowed by authoritative language
10. Don’t use the internet at all. Okay just kidding. A Top 9 list just doesn’t have the same ring.
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