Unfortunately, scams are very common and it’s something we’ve learned to be aware of for a long time now. We are cautious about everything we do and we are wary of offers that seem too good to be true, people asking for sensitive information, suspicious emails, and more. So, we keep ourselves safe by being on high alert.
The rise of the internet has improved our lives in more ways than we even realize and there are many good things about it. However, there’s still a dark side to the criminal and there are malicious elements we need to be aware of when we’re online. That’s why today we will discuss some of the most common modern technology scams so you can educate yourself and be safe!
Scam Calls: The Most Common Scam Method
Among the many methods cybercriminals use to scam people and the wide variety of instruments available to them, scam calls are still the most effective scam method. Scam calls involve direct conversations, which makes it easier for these con artists to rope people in and convince them to do what they want.
One of the main reasons scam calls are so common is because finding a person’s phone number and personal details is not difficult. You provide that information in surveys, sites, etc., and that information can be shared by sites with questionable ethics about data management.
Understanding Spoofing
Spoofing is a term used by security experts to refer to people who can make the source of their communication structure to make it seem like it’s coming from a trustworthy or known source. This is how they trick people and the technique can be applied to phone calls, IP addresses, emails, websites, and more.
In the case of scam calls, caller ID spoofing is common, which makes the calls look like they’re coming from someone or an organization you already trust. After that, the scammer manipulates you into unwittingly providing sensitive information they can use.
Stay Informed and Alert!
Whether a scam is successful or not will depend entirely on how aware the target is of the methods scammers use to get away with it. The first thing you need to understand is that scammers always take advantage of big news and uncertainty. They also lean on people’s fears or ambitions. In other words, they use people’s interests against them, so beware of anything that sounds too good.
Another great way to reduce the risk of getting scammed is to never click on links you don’t know, even if they’re sent from emails or phone numbers you know. Always check the legitimacy of email addresses, especially if you receive emails that have to do with money, offers, etc.
Keep in mind that authorities such as the police, bankers, or taxmen are not allowed to ask finance-related questions on the phone or via text. In conclusion, stay hypervigilant! Don’t blindly trust people that contact you and seem too eager to make offers or get your information. For more on this topic, visit the Ultimate Online website.