Dealing with Online Scams
I'll say that one of the perils of the online space that has been a great help to us in this age and time is the presence of online scams and fraud. If we want to explore the disadvantages of the technology we have in the online system; the internet and social media that have made things a lot easier for us, we can't neglect or fail to mention this issue of scams emanating from the online space.
There was a time when scams had to be run physically, sometimes with the use of some diabolical means to ensure it worked out smoothly. Yes, I've heard stories of that, which might still be in play today. However, a new system came, with perhaps more ease when things went online and virtually everything can be done online. From banking, to communication, education, work and so on.
The interconnection of them has made it easier for online scams, at least from the things I've seen and heard. And about that, I've faced a few online scams and heard of the stories of others who also faced such. Ranging from Ponzi schemes, phishing links and false calls/messages. Thankfully, I knew of some of these things and didn't fall victim to many of them, which constitutes what I'll share in this post on how I deal with online scams.
Sometimes, it's the lack of knowledge of the online space and how some of these scams happen that leaves people vulnerable, especially elderly people who are not that experienced in this aspect but are part of it. I tried to know what real and fake look like online. For scams involving phishing links, I got to know what a true link looks like especially with the “https” part and other little details often unnoticed.
I'll say it's first a vigilant effort on my part. I try to be aware of the things and people that come my way online. To the actions, I don't click on just any link. I try to verify if it seems like something interesting. When it involves other scams like putting pins or bank details online on some random platform doing some crazy giveaway, I stay clear away. I avoid Ponzi schemes after getting entangled in one which though I benefited, got me at the wrong time.
One rule for me is that, if it's too good to be true, it might definitely not be true. Hence again, the need to verify. For scam calls and messages, I ignore taking any steps or verifying at least. Like the time a man called me, asking me to send a code I received to him, so he could hack my WhatsApp account. But being knowledgeable on these things, staying careful and verifying before taking any step if necessary, I learnt to be proactive too.
Proactive in the sense that I put in place two-factor authentication (2FA) where necessary and possible. This has helped me stay at an advantage against hacking attempts and scams. Using strong passwords is also necessary. I advise that people take the 2FA security system seriously, alongside using strong passwords; not passwords with their date of birth. Also, to know that when it's too good to be true, it just might not be. So, don't just trust, verify first.
This is my response to the IndiaUnited Contest.
Image is AI generated.