In today’s tech savvy world, 21st century students connect to the World Wide Web to strengthen their knowledge. Unfortunately there are numbers of hackers and scammers active over the internet (via fake websites or emails) to steal valuable information of other users. Although there are uncountable techniques scammers can use to enter in your laptop, smartphone, tablet or any personal gadgets to grab your money and identity, but there are also many effective techniques to prevent fraudulent activities. Here are seven effective techniques that will empower you to conquer internet scammers proactively.
Complex Passwords
When it comes to protect ones information from scammers, password plays a key role. Make sure to spend some time to create a long, unique and complicated password to cut the chances of stealing. The more complicated and unique the password, the less likely a fraudulent person would make efforts to unlock it. In addition keep in mind to stir some numerical values and some upper case letters to give a tough challenge to fraudulent peoples. Don’t tell your password to your classmates, friends or anyone and modify it regularly.
Powerful Antivirus
Normally students complain about the slowdowns that antivirus application often provides as well as about the pop ups windows they need to bear while researching information over the internet. But it is vital for students to install and run a powerful antivirus to avoid any kind of fraud attack that could harm their precious information. Therefore use reliable antivirus applications and update it regularly to get secured from most recent virus as well as scams.
Browse https URL
While browsing any new website figure out whether it begins with http:// or https:.//. This is because the web address that begins with https are protected (the s’ stand for secure). Furthermore, try to use updated versions of browsers as they provide better security options from scammers. Never open up websites that shows padlock signs in the browser window screen to protect against theft or unauthorized use of your privacy.
Secure Payment Options
No doubt technology has transformed the way students buy books, stationary, food stuff or pay for any service. If you’re also a techy guy or girl and mostly or rarely buy stuff online then you must shop on renowned websites (like eBay, Best Buy, Amazon) that offer secure payment options like PayPal, VISA and MasterCard. In this way you will not only secure your hard earn money from online scams, but also driver more perks.
Ignore Scam Emails
Nowadays many fraudulent people are trying to access the information of other users via emails. If you’re also receiving anonymous emails that are offering cash prizes, lotteries, bank drafts or anything else, don’t open them. No matter who convincing the story, mark scams each and every email that is asking information, money or account detail. Otherwise scammer would misuse your information and commit crimes through your id.
Cyber Bullying
With the rapid advancement in technology in the past few years, internet has been a breeding ground for scamming as well as bullying. If you feel that you’re being insulted online then you must discuss it with your parents, teachers or friends. Studying online is about strengthening ones knowledge not about getting afraid or becoming a victim of any fraudulent activity.
Report Scam
Sadly if you has been become a victim of an online fraud or you figure out someone that is involved in fraudulent activities, inform it to econsumer.gov or any concerned authority of your country. Many teenagers become a victim of fraudulent peoples and ignore to inform it to concerned authorities as a good citizen. This is totally a wrong approach, as the victim not only misses a chance to get back his/her money, but also encourages scammer to cheat others.
Hopefully by reading the advice shared in the above passage any student could easily avoid online fraudulent activities while studying, socialising or engaging in any online lawful activity. In addition, I really appreciate HomerProject for allowing me to write an article on this topic and being able to provide great information consistently to readers of this website.
About Writer: This article is posted by Amelie John who is an experienced writer and passionate blogger of an online IT firm. In the current days she is guiding teenagers who want essay help – Mighty Essays to live a hassle free academic life to keep growing.