You may not know it, but the next email or message you receive could be a sly attempt to take your money. What’s alarming is that these ‘scams’ are getting better and better, which means you may not be able to distinguish it from the real thing.
What is a Scam?
A scam is an attempt to steal a victim’s money. They come in many different forms and usually take advantage of an unsuspecting person who don’t know they’re being scammed.
The end result of a scam is for you to divulge your personal data, financial data, e.g., credit card and bank account information, or to send X amount of money to their bank account.
Scams are infinitely varied and can range from a phone call to an elaborate advertisement on social media. On the internet, scams take on many styles and are usually done on social media, via email and thru instant messaging platforms.
How to Recognize a Scam
Being aware that there are scams circulating online is one way to prevent it from happening to you.
The good news is that a scam can be easily recognized, and they usually share several elements. The number one sign that it could be a scam is when it’s too good to be true.
When you receive a message, email or offer from out of nowhere and from a person you don’t know, be wary. Emails can be checked before replying- first, the content may have several grammatical errors or misspellings, which means it may not come from an official or legitimate source.
Entities that are specifically asking for your password, PIN or personal data and pressuring you to give it up are up to no good. Make sure to take things slow, think and not be hasty. You could be the target of a scam.
Don’t Share Your Personal Data
In every online interaction you may have, it’s best to be cautious when it comes to revealing personal data. For all you know it could be a scam disguised as a blessing.
It’s worthy to note that companies will never ask you for any of your personal information. They are not allowed to ask for bank details, accounts, credit card numbers and PIN or OTP codes. Therefore, if someone says they are from a well-known bank and are asking for your username or password, or need $100 so they can send you a ‘prize’, then it’s most likely a scam.
If You Are Getting a Loan Online Choose a Proven Legal Lender
Scams are getting more sophisticated nowadays. A few have set up websites to look like a legitimate online lender- once you try to apply for an online loan you’ll be presented with a form to fill up. Afterwards, you’ll find that the website is fake and your personal data has been stolen.
There are real online loan sites but you should only go to a proven legal lender. CashFlex has all the markings of a legitimate online lender- they will never ask you for an upfront fee or to send money before they could approve the loan.
For any reason you need a loan, go to CashFlex. They are a reliable and well-established broker based in Chester and can provide loans ranging from £100 to £10,000 depending on what you need. Whether for personal reasons, for debt consolidation or for emergency expenses you can get the cash you need in a timely manner.
Don’t Follow The Links in Suspicious Emails
Scam emails comprise the majority of online scams, and therefore you should be aware of how it operates.
An email will usually dangle a ‘prize’, such as thousands of pounds or a free car or so. However, in order to claim it you will need to complete a survey, send in your bank account details or send in money to an account.
The scammer will try to lure you in to their fake webpage in the form of a link. The data you put in there will be captured, collected then sold to the highest bidder.
Save yourself from email scams by refraining from clicking the link- delete it instead.
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