Sign In/Sign UpTRENDING BASIC MONEY MANAGEMENT TIPS
TRENDING BASIC MONEY MANAGEMENT TIPS
03.09.2020 / Safety « Back to all articles
3 Important Steps You Can Take to Avoid Fraud
New and Old Dangers
The world has changed for the better with a rise in technology that protects people and transactions with increased security measures. However, scam artists have adapted to new ways of doing business, too.
In some ways, transactions are safer than ever with complex passwords, but there is little security that can help you when you’ve been personally deceived. Identity theft, phishing and other forms of fraud are nightmares no one wants to go through, so the need to stay sharp is more important than ever. Luckily there are a few steps that can be taken to avoid being a victim of fraud.
Protect Your Identity
Your “identity” in official terms consists of personal information such as banking access, government identification numbers, and other sensitive documentation. Because so much sensitive information is entered online now, when such data is acquired, it is smooth sailing for an identity thief. So, it’s crucial that you take extra measures to protect your identity online.
As a rule, do not send sensitive numbers and information through email or on an unsecured website. Watch out for scam artists calling or emailing, asking for information by sending it to them. Any reputable company will never do that, and for existing accounts with an organization, they will already have it. The less that data is given out, the less likely it will be stolen or used for fraudulent purposes.
Take it Slow
You may laugh at the idea of giving a stranger your information over the phone, but the unfortunate truth is that it happens every day. Anyone unscrupulous enough to steal a person’s identity will not hesitate to lie or intimidate. So, take it slow. If any communication received requests sensitive information like birthdays, Social Security numbers or bank accounts, never respond right away. Contact the company or organization the request allegedly came from and find out if this is a legitimate request.
Do not be fooled by “limited time offers” or be scared by people claiming to be debt collectors and the like. Research the company, ignore automatic phone calls, and double check with friends when unexpected requests come in.
Be Careful How You Pay
Beyond data, scammers today are also after cash. Be careful when paying for anything that is not completed in person. When agreeing to a special offer or a new service, never pay up front. Unscrupulous people will say anything to get ahold of money, and once they have it, it is very unlikely to get it back.
As a general rule, never send cash or a cheque in the mail for something purchased online. Credit card charges can be disputed, but once cash is sent, it is almost impossible to get it back. One popular scam is to send a cheque in the mail, with a request to deposit it and then transfer a portion back. Money wires process immediately, but it can take weeks to detect a fraudulent cheque. Take extra caution any time money is involved with someone you don’t personally know.
Credit Talk
03.09.2020 / Safety « Back to all articles
3 Important Steps You Can Take to Avoid Fraud
New and Old Dangers
The world has changed for the better with a rise in technology that protects people and transactions with increased security measures. However, scam artists have adapted to new ways of doing business, too.
In some ways, transactions are safer than ever with complex passwords, but there is little security that can help you when you’ve been personally deceived. Identity theft, phishing and other forms of fraud are nightmares no one wants to go through, so the need to stay sharp is more important than ever. Luckily there are a few steps that can be taken to avoid being a victim of fraud.
Protect Your Identity
Your “identity” in official terms consists of personal information such as banking access, government identification numbers, and other sensitive documentation. Because so much sensitive information is entered online now, when such data is acquired, it is smooth sailing for an identity thief. So, it’s crucial that you take extra measures to protect your identity online.
As a rule, do not send sensitive numbers and information through email or on an unsecured website. Watch out for scam artists calling or emailing, asking for information by sending it to them. Any reputable company will never do that, and for existing accounts with an organization, they will already have it. The less that data is given out, the less likely it will be stolen or used for fraudulent purposes.
Take it Slow
You may laugh at the idea of giving a stranger your information over the phone, but the unfortunate truth is that it happens every day. Anyone unscrupulous enough to steal a person’s identity will not hesitate to lie or intimidate. So, take it slow. If any communication received requests sensitive information like birthdays, Social Security numbers or bank accounts, never respond right away. Contact the company or organization the request allegedly came from and find out if this is a legitimate request.
Do not be fooled by “limited time offers” or be scared by people claiming to be debt collectors and the like. Research the company, ignore automatic phone calls, and double check with friends when unexpected requests come in.
Be Careful How You Pay
Beyond data, scammers today are also after cash. Be careful when paying for anything that is not completed in person. When agreeing to a special offer or a new service, never pay up front. Unscrupulous people will say anything to get ahold of money, and once they have it, it is very unlikely to get it back.
As a general rule, never send cash or a cheque in the mail for something purchased online. Credit card charges can be disputed, but once cash is sent, it is almost impossible to get it back. One popular scam is to send a cheque in the mail, with a request to deposit it and then transfer a portion back. Money wires process immediately, but it can take weeks to detect a fraudulent cheque. Take extra caution any time money is involved with someone you don’t personally know.
