There are many people that try to make money online by scamming and stealing other people’s money. These fraudulent schemes are usually perpetrated through email correspondence and online ads that lead the victim to a specific website to complete the scam. The problem is that most people are too gullible and inexperienced to read between the lines and see the truth. Nevertheless, this does not need to happen to you. There are surefire ways to spot and reveal an online scam.
1. Call them. One of the most effective ways to spot a scam is by calling up the contact number accompanying the potential fraudulent offer. Offers on websites or sent through email are normally accompanied with a telephone number. If it does, call it and see if they are a legit outfit. If the offer does not have a contact number listed, trash this offer as it is probably a scam.
2. Search for signs of fraud. Whether you get an interesting offer via email or stumbled on it while you were surfing, there should be quick to spot telltale signs of fraud. Here are some signs you should look for:
* If the offer promises you ridiculous sums of money in exchange for your personal information or an upfront cash payment, then this is definitely a scam.
* If the offer comes from a reputable company asking for your personal information even if you have not transacted with that company at all, then this is a scammer posing as a reputable company trying phish for information.
* If the offer requires you to wire a money order or send a check overnight, then this is another scam. Reputable businesses will usually ask you to pay using your credit card or online payment gateway account. It is safer this way because if you do not get what is promised, then you can challenge the charges and possibly get a reimbursement.
3. Use some common sense. Any online offer via the web or email that asks for your personal information or money in exchange for something sounding too good to be true is probably a scam. Use your common sense and do some research. Search the company online. If they are using a reputable company as a mask, go the company’s website and call them directly and ask if they truly sent out the letter. Common sense will dictate that you dig deeper whenever someone tries to invade your privacy and finances.
4. Other precautions to follow. Sometimes, scams evolve to something else where it becomes difficult to detect a scam from a legit thing. Here are some precautions to enact to avoid falling for an online scam.
* Do not entertain offers that ask for money especially if you know nothing about them.
* If the address of the business sending you an offer is listed as a P.O. Box, do not entertain these and beware.
* Online lotteries are not free. A legit lottery will require you to place a bet. So, if they tell you that you won a million bucks in a lottery you never joined, this is definitely a con.
Online scams and fraudulent activities are pretty rampant nowadays. Sometimes, the scams are too complex to detect. Nevertheless, you can avoid a scam by being vigilant, resourceful, and by the use of common sense. Stop being gullible and start protecting yourself.
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