Scams: Don’t Be Fooled

Have you been a victim of a scam? New types of scams have recently emerged and you don’t want to be lured into these and fall prey onto these scammers.

Recent findings have revealed how more than 50,000 individuals were reported victimized by scammers. Thousands of dollars were taken from them and not a cent was returned. Scams appear in varied forms, targeting entrepreneurs and customers using sophisticated tools facilitated by online technology.

How do Scammers operate?

Most common scams developed out of new techniques. Fraudsters are emerging and they will lure you into providing them confidential information about you which may include your email credentials, contact number and personal profile.

Some scammers will send you emails with links which if opened can hack confidential data from your computer or handheld device. Anyone who opens the link falls as a helpless victim to these scammers as they can now access your bank data, records, emails, assets and almost all credentials that you are keeping online.

So what are these types of Scams?

419 scam

This scam involves payments which fraudsters can demand from you while promising a large sum of money from a proposed inheritance or winnings in the lottery. This can happen once you receive an email promising a share from the lump sum amount to be claimed if an upfront fee is sent. This  ‘to good to be true’ promises is enough to make one suspicious. The promise initially comes from a person of authority like an army general or a prime minister which makes one believe without question. But these are all fake and their main intent is to lure you to trust them until soon you’ll not hear from them again.

SIM swap scam

In this scam fraudsters are able to duplicate your SIM without your knowledge. They will be able to receive OTPs, phone verifications, calls as well as receive notifications to commit fraudulent activities.

Phishing scam

Phishing happens when fraudsters sends you emails from a reliable institutions or  companies. The email will request you to click on an icon or a link which opens a fake website which will then require details from you. Such details may include your credit card details. The culprits can now use your card details to purchase online. It is important to check if websites are secured to identify if these are legitimate websites.

Remote access takeover scam

This happens when you unintentionally allow your computer to be vulnerable to ‘Remote Access Control’.This happens through a software which can be downloaded from your desktop. If you’re so trusting then the Scammer will be able to install some suspicious software into your PC to do the trick. So if the urgent call from someone you don’t know sounds dubious then you have to deny them outright because they can easily access sensitive information from you.

Vishing scam

The increase in mobile banking gave fraudsters greater opportunity to access bank details from customers. Often the victim receives a call from a ‘bank personnel ‘asking for OTP or One time Pin for verification. If you allow this then you allow the scammer to access your bank account.

So how can you avoid being victimized by these Fraudsters?

1. Understanding how these criminal works  is the best way to protect yourself, your identity and your property.

2. Never click on any link or attachments. Delete those messages even if you’re so curious to know what’s in that message.

3. Ignore scam phone messages or calls as you may be talking to the scammer and not the authorized personnel.

4. Be cautious about those asking for your account numbers, checking accounts as crooks are so creative in getting hold of those access.

5. Remember the basic point that ‘If you didn’t enter the contest then it is improbable to win it’

6.Never be an easy target to criminals. Scammers are always on the look for those who are very trusting like those searching for jobs, for partners, for ‘easy’ money.

Always be on your toes to identify scammers before you put your hard-earned money to risk. Bank safely and do some research about those people, agents, institutions who are claiming to protect your funds and your property. Do your research, be conscious about website Security before you fall prey onto these crooks.