There are ways to avoid being pulled into a scammer scheme:
1) As an online shopper, you must pay attention the URL. A website usually has http in the beginning of the web address. If you see https instead of http, this means that the website has security for transferring personal information.
2) If you go to a website and you get a pop-up with an offer that’s too good to be true, close it immediately. If excepted, it can infect your computer either immediately or take you to a website containing a virus.
3) Keep security software on your computer updated, and do scans every once in a while to make sure there are no hidden viruses on your device.
4) It is safer to type the website you are looking for into the actual URL bar than following links to get to where you want to be. The links you following can redirect you to infectious pages.
5) When it comes to malicious emails, don’t click on any links you aren’t familiar with, or on any links sent from random companies. Basically, if you weren’t expecting it, don’t open it.
6) If you receive any offers for donating to charities, look up the charity, and confirm the legitimacy of the cause and its website.
7) If you are online shopping, check your credit card statements and make sure there aren’t any illegal charges.
8) If a website or company contacts you with a plea that you enter personal information, don’t.
Holiday shopping is a time of great deals, and is a great time to buy gifts for others. I myself ,a programmer, have seen people get scammed, and by following these guidelines and being aware, you can easily prevent this from happening to you.
OMA Comp can help in any and all of these situations. If you think you’ve fallen victim to a identity theft or online-shopping scam, call OMA Comp today and we’ll help you stay safer for the next time.
