Earlier this year, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian revealed that his credit card was used to pay for food orders totaling hundreds of thousands. If this could happen to someone who is in power and position, what more on ordinary people like us?
This is why it is important to be extra careful and cautious, especially at a time when online shopping is more convenient. There will always be people who will take advantage of the situation and do whatever it takes to get your hard-earned money.
The good news is you can prevent that from happening. Here are some tips you need to remember to protect yourself against fraud:
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication. This means aside from entering your password, the system will also ask for a code sent to your mobile number or answer to a security question before you can log-in. It’s hassle, yes, but this feature ensures that no one can easily access your account anytime.
- Use Strong Passwords. This is a must. A strong password with combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and characters will keep you protected against possible hacking.
- Visit Secure Websites. Did you notice the padlock icon beside the website URL? Is it color green? If you answered yes on both questions, then it means that the website is secured – and it’s a good thing. This also means that the website uses SSL or secure socket layer to encrypt activities on the website.
- Think Before You Click. The truth is malicious links are often hidden through hyperlinks or links that will lead you to a different website. While these links seem safe, links leading to another website might compromise your information. Make sure to check the destination URL when you put the cursor over the link to give you an idea on where the link will take you.
- Be Careful When You Click Ads. Ads are exciting but most of the time, the real product or app isn’t how they were perceived to be. Take it easy when clicking ads since it could lead to phishing and malware attacks among others. It will also help if you install ad blockers since aside from added protection, it will give you a smoother and more pleasant experience.
- Reduce Your Use Of Public WiFi. It’s okay when you just need to check something but as much as possible, do not use public WiFi. Use the free WiFi offered by establishments for browsing but when you need to use online banking or the website requires credit card information, use your mobile data or do it at home.
- If It’s Too Good To Be True, Then It’s Not True. Words that say you’ll “get rich quick” or “double your money in one week” sound enticing, yes? Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as that. Even the riskiest investment in the form of stocks cannot double or triple your money in a matter of days. Make sure to check what is being offered first and don’t easily fall for promises of high returns.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Information. You will receive phone calls or emails asking information such as your personal or credit card details. Don’t easily divulge. This will make it easier for scammers to use your information against you.
- Do Not Share Your Phone. Mobile browsing is common nowadays. Chances are you saved your details on your phone for easier browsing. This is why you need to be extra careful with your phone. Never share and keep your phone away from other people.
- Never Share Passwords, Too. You don’t like sharing your phone, right? Then never share your passwords, too, no matter how close you are to that person. Your passwords in your several accounts is for your own use only. Keep your information safe.
- Try Your Best To Pay In Cash. Credit card is convenient because you can buy any item and pay for it in installment. However, there is a possibility that someone could get your information and fraudulently use your account. If you can, then pay for your items in cash. This way, you don’t have to worry about monthly payments, too.
Scammers will always be there, looking for their next victim. Don’t easily fall on their traps and lose the money you earned. Although it won’t be 100 percent guarantee that you’ll be safe, these tips will still help in keeping yourself protected.