The increasingly widespread development of the digital world makes cyber crime also increase. Online fraud is a cybercrime attack that haunts people in this digital era. Online fraud is a crime that occurs in cyberspace to trick victims. The goals are various, ranging from stealing money, illegally obtaining personal data, etc. So that you are more aware of the types of fraudulent attacks in cyberspace, see the full explanation in this article!
Understanding Online Fraud
Online fraud is using internet services or software to deceive or take advantage of victims, for example, by stealing personal information, which could lead to identity theft.
Internet services can be used to deceive victims or make fraudulent transactions. Online scams can occur in chat rooms, social media, email, or websites. As we know, internet and website services bring convenience in all aspects. For example, paying bills, shopping, making online reservations, and working.
The freedom to navigate and access multiple locations online simultaneously carries dangerous risks. Today’s crime is far more advanced than ever by targeting our personal lives, homes, and offices where we work.
Online scams use various methods and tools, from software and vulnerabilities in almost all of its programs and applications to phishing scams from unexpected areas worldwide.
Phishing Emails
Phishing scams are based on communications made via email or social media networks. Fraudsters will send messages and try to trick victims into giving them login access from bank accounts, social media, work accounts, or other personal data that is valuable to them.
To do this, the phishing email is created as if it came from an official source; it could be from a bank, another financial institution, a company representative, or a social network.
That way, fraudsters will persuade their victims to click on links and access websites that look legitimate but are fake and controlled by them. The victim will be led to fake login access similar to the original website. If not careful, the victim can provide login access and other personal information.
For this scam to work, the scammer creates a sense of haste. They will tell you false information; for example, your bank account is threatened, and you need to immediately access a website page where you must enter personal data to confirm your identity or account.
This link will redirect you to a malicious website. After filling in the confidential data, fraudsters use it to break into real bank accounts or sell them to third parties.
How to Avoid Online Scams
To avoid online fraud, there are some things you need to do:
1. Beware of people outside known contacts
Always be vigilant when dealing with people not from your contact list on business or personal matters, by phone, email, or social networking sites. Remember, if things look too good, it’s probably a scam.
2. Use a strong password
Choose a password that will be difficult to guess and update it regularly. Use some passwords that consist of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. Never use the same passwords for all the apps or accounts; most importantly, don’t share them with anybody.
Dealing with different passwords may feel overwhelming at times. And to avoid headaches, we highly recommend using password managers. Password managers are very useful for keeping your passwords organized. If you want to open certain apps or websites, these password managers will do the job for you.
3. Don’t open suspicious emails or pop-ups
If you get a suspicious email or pop-up, delete the message or attachment immediately. If unsure, verify the identity of the contact with an online search. Do not use the contact details found in received messages.
4. Be careful when shopping online
Beware of offers that seem too tempting, and always use online shopping services. There are now many online shopping scams circulating in e-commerce. Before buying an item, recheck shop testimonials, product photos, and so on so you don’t get caught up in online fraud.
5. Protect personal data
The next way to prevent online fraud is to protect personal data. Never share your personal info on social media. Fraudsters can use information and images to create a false identity or make you a target for fraud.
Always use passwords, do not share access with others, and update security software. Protect your WiFi network with a password and avoid using computers or public WiFi hotspots to access internet banking or provide personal information.
