Yes, it’s that time of year when online scammers go all out to manipulate and deceive innocent victims, aiming to steal your hard-earned money. They employ tactics such as misleading advertisements, spam emails, and leveraging social media platforms to prey on unsuspecting individuals. Their modus operandi is simple – they cast a wide net, hoping to catch as many unsuspecting people as possible and persuade them to make purchases. These scams are more abundant during holidays.
These scammers (fraudsters) even go as far as setting up fake websites that appear genuine, offering enticing gifts and flowers for dedicated moms. However, it’s crucial not to fall into their traps and instead, exercise caution by following these essential tips:
- Always make sure it comes from a brand you know by checking the domain (bestbuy.com, amazon.com, etc.)
- Never provide any personable information in any online forms unless you know you are on a safe credible website that you shopped before
- Always check the sender’s email address when receiving promotional emails about a product and or service. An example of a known brand; Good sender-sales.amazon.com, Bad sender-amazon.abc1234.com
- You will see that most spam emails look cheaply made and have errors in spelling and grammar
- Not all ads on Facebook are good. Many are misleading so be careful!
- Always use a secure credit card that has fraud protection insurance
- Only you can be the best defense from scams
I always stick with what I know and who I do business with. If you feel that something seems out of sorts, move on and take no action.
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