The internet is a wonderful place as we all know and it is a brilliant place to go shopping for bargains and also to take care of all manors of business.
Obviously there is a lot concern over the safety of online transactions and keeping yourself safe online but the truth is that the internet can be both safe and secure if you use just a little bit of common sense and follow some simple guidelines.
Hopefully this article will help you to keep yourself safe online and avoid all manner of online scams.
Shopping Online.
- When deciding to purchase from anything from a website make sure that the company you are dealing with has real presence not just on the internet but in the real world as well. Make sure they have an address listed and a contact phone number.
- Make sure that any website you are going to use to make a purchase is properly secure. You can usually spot a secure website because its web address will start with https:// rather than just http://. You also need to make sure that any webpage where you are giving out your credit card or bank details on is properly secure. The website should have a locked padlock in the address bar and the website should use 128 bit encryption.
- Make sure any website you are dealing with has a clear and easy to understand privacy policy and returns policy.
- If you are not convinced before you make your purchase then you can always Google the company that you are thinking about buying from and ring the phone number that they have listed. It is always best to use a common sense approach and if in doubt you are best off leaving well enough alone.
Online Auctions.
- Before you start selling your goods or bidding on auctions take a short while to familiarise yourself with the auction site process, the auction site rules and guide to safety.
- Make it a priority to get to know your buyer or seller properly. Check out their feedback and do not be afraid to ask questions throughout the buying or selling process.
- Make a point of only dealing with good quality buyers. Look for buyers that give accurate and well detailed descriptions about the goods that they are selling and have a proven track record with plenty of good positive feedback.
- Never give out your personal information or password to anyone you are buying from or selling. It is important to remember that auction websites will never ask you for your password regardless of the situation. If you are asked for it then something is not right.
Conmen are very good at persuasion so make it a priority to learn to spot and tell the signs of social engineering. The most common signs that you are dealing with are as follows :-
- Conmen will usually promise you huge rewards (especially financial), lottery wins or a lost inheritance which has been left to you from a long lost relative.
- Conmen make a point of giving you a false sense of urgency with any and all dealings.
- They will give odd, superfluous details.
- Conmen are well known for asking for upfront payments and also asking you for personal details.
When it comes to remaining safe on the internet and avoiding online scams and rip-offs always use a common sense approach. Always remember that it is your money you are spending so do not be rushed into anything.
It never hurts to discuss important and large decisions with someone that you trust.
Above all else remember that if something appears too good to be true then it most likely is.
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