Stay Safe Shopping Online: Avoid Common Scams
Online stores offer a convenient, easy-to-use and generally safe way to shop. This is why online shopping grows in popularity each year. However, it’s important to note that you’ll still need to take some precautions when purchasing items online to avoid common scams.First of all, in order to avoid common scams, you should always take note of which website you are on and ensure that this is the website you actually mean to visit. Criminals sometimes purchase domain names that are similar to official online stores in hopes of catching some people unaware. Misspellings and other variations can be used to trick someone into giving their payment information to the wrong people. These fradulent sites often look very convincing, so pay close attention. In the same sense, do some research into a company before you enter your credit card information on their website. Large, well-known retailers likely won’t steal your information but a smaller, unknown merchant just might. Before you give anyone your financial information, make sure you know who they are and that you have verified that they can be trusted.
You will also need to make sure that your computer’s security software is up to date. Some malicious programs track any information you enter into your web browser, including credit card information and website passwords. This is why it is so important to regularly check your computer for malware, spyware and viruses and to keep these security programs current.
If you are shopping via online auction sites or online classified websites, you will need to take several other precautions. First of all, if a deal found online seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of someone who is selling items at very low prices or selling items that would be incredibly difficult to find in your area. Ask several questions about the item beforehand and if something seems wrong about the situation, trust your instincts. If you are shopping on a website that allows customers to rate the sellers, check out all feedback that has been left for the seller and look for any red flags.
If you are able to meet the seller in person in order to inspect the item before you pay for it, you should probably do so. However, when meeting someone in person you should not go alone. You should also always meet in a public place where other people will be around, such as a food court, busy coffee shop or other similar location. There are many instances of people setting up in person meetings in order to rob potential buyers of their money.
Before you buy from any online retailer, make sure that you check their privacy policy to verify how they will use your information. You will also want to check to make sure their payment system is secure and that the website itself is stable, safe and free of pop-ups or any other types of spyware. Stay safe with our tips on how to avoid common scams.
Common Scams & How To Avoid Them
The new year is upon us and many people are ready to start the year with a fresh new attitude. Unfortunately some people take advantage of the generous nature of this season. This time of year is quite popular with those who hope to scam and swindle.You may be trying to be more generous and helpful this year, but you should remember that not everyone shares your kind attitude. Watch out for some of these common scams.
Beware of offers that are too good to be true. There have been many recent accounts of people receiving calls from unknown numbers and being asked for personal information, especially around the holiday season. For instance, a woman in Columbus, Ohio recently received a call from someone who told her that she had won a $100 gift card. However, the caller insisted that that the woman agree to pay to ship the card to her address. The caller would not provide a contact phone number or any additional information. If you receive an unsolicited call from anyone asking for personal information or financial over the phone, do not give it to them. Always verify who is calling before accepting any offers. Ask the caller for a number where you can reach them, hang up, do some research and call back later.
Scammers also frequently offer deals through social networks such as Facebook. Again, do not provide any personal information to anyone that you have not researched and verified extensively. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Fake charities are another way that people take advantage of the holiday season in order to scam innocent people. Some criminals visit homes or telephone people and pretend to be a charity asking for donations. Many people feel generous during the holiday season and this scam exploits that fact. Do not donate to any organization without first fully verifying exactly who the charity is and that they are in fact an official charity.
You should also be on the lookout for New Year’s ecards that arrive in your email inbox. Make sure that you double check the sender and that you confirm the card is coming from a legitimate website before opening it. Viruses and spyware can be disgused as ecards.
The generous spirit of the new year is a great thing. However, you still need to be careful and protect yourself. If you suspect that you are being scammed, alert the appropriate authorities right away.
Protect Your Financial Information
A lot of money has been spent over the last few months. With the holiday season and the new year upon us, the malls have been pretty busy. That means a lot of trips are made to the ATM, a lot of credit and debit cards are swiped and a lot of online transactions take place. Unfortunately, this means that there are more opportunities than ever to have your financial information stolen.Whenever you pay using credit or debit, do not let your card out of your sight. A reputable store shouldn’t need to take your card away for any reason. You should be able to see the entire transaction take place easily. Also, you should always make sure to shield your PIN from anyone standing by, including store employees. Sometimes this feels awkward, but it is an excellent way to keep yourself secure.
You should be alert of your surroundings at all time. Keep your credit cards and debit cards inside your wallet and keep your wallet in your front pants pocket if at all possible. If you carry your wallet in a bag, keep it close to your body and do not hang it loosely from a strap. You should also only bring the cards that you are going to use with you when you shop. There is no need to risk losing everything at once. Do not keep a written copy of your PIN with your cards for any reason. If your wallet is lost or stolen, a criminal can use this information to steal from you.
You should also make a point to monitor your credit card balance and bank account regularly. If you are not already signed up for online banking, you should consider doing so even if you only use the service to watch your balances. Closely watching your accounts on a regular basis will allow you to see exactly what is happening at any time. If you notice any suspicious behaviour or incorrect purchases, you can alert your financial institution immediately.
In addition, you should photocopy or otherwise record all of the information that you keep in your wallet. Store this copy in a safe place such as a safety desposit box. If your wallet is ever lost or stolen it is much easier to cancel your cards or activate new ones if you have this information.
How Cyber-Bullying Affects Children & What You Can Do About It
Cyber-bullying is just as dangerous as real life bullying. Cyber-bullying is teasing, taunting, insulting, threatening, harassing or humiliating someone through the Internet and mobile phones. It can include posts on social networks, text messages, emails, instant messages and more.According to a University of Toronto study, 94% of parents and 98% of teachers feel that cyber-bullying is a problem. The 2008 study also found that half of the yong people surveyed had reported being cyber-bullied.
Cyber-bullying is dangerous because, while the bullying itself doesn’t cause physical harm, it can be relentless and also anonymous. This creates a fearful situation for children and it makes it difficult for children to trust anyone. It can also seriously harm a child’s self esteem. There are unfortunately been several high profile cases of children and teenagers who have committed suicide after being cyber-bullied.
So what can parents do about cyber-bullying?
First of all, you have to teach your children that they shouldn’t say anything on the Internet that they wouldn’t say in real life. Tell them not to release private details online and not to engage in fights or arguments. Anything that they wouldn’t want the whole world to read should not be posted on the Internet. Remind them that witnessing cyber-bullying and not doing anything about it is just as bad as the actual bullying. Let them know that they can come to you if they are bullied or they see someone else being bullied.
It’s important to create an open environment with your children so that they will feel comfortable coming to you for help or advice. Many children do not tell their parents about cyber-bullying because they worry about getting in trouble or punished. Sometimes children who are bullied do not let their parents know because they are afraid of losing computer or cell phone privileges.
You should also teach your children how to react to a cyber-bully. They should leave the website or social networking platform they are on as soon as they start being bullied. They should also block the sender from sending them additional messages and save any harassing messages they receive. They should then talk to a trusted adult right away. If your child tells you that he or she is being bullied online, try to talk to the bully’s parents and/or school officials if possible. You also may want to discuss the situation with local police.
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