With the rise of digital connectivity comes the rise of online scams. From phishing emails to fraudulent check schemes, scammers are constantly finding new ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals.

Protecting yourself online requires vigilance, knowledge, and a proactive approach. In this blog post, we will discuss essential tips to help you avoid online scams and keep your personal and financial information secure.

With my top three blog posts being about scams, it’s obvious how much of a problem it is. From the SHEIN collab scam to the newest Tony Terry Facebook concert scam, I get comments daily from people trying to find out if they are real offers. There are a few steps you can take to safeguard yourself online and the people finding my blog posts are doing the first thing I would recommend: Google it.

Read on for details on all the steps you can take to protect yourself from scams online.

Be Skeptical and Stay Informed:

The first line of defense against online scams is a healthy dose of skepticism. Always question suspicious emails, messages, or offers that seem too good to be true. (Like someone offering to pay you thousands of dollars a day to place an ad on your Facebook page)

Stay informed about the latest scamming techniques and trends by following reputable cybersecurity sources and organizations. Awareness is key to recognizing and avoiding potential scams.

Google the offer and see if any similar stories pop up online. If they are sending this out to thousands of people, somebody will probably start posting about it. (Like me!)

If you don’t find any posts, you can also try posting about it yourself on Reddit or Facebook and ask if anyone else has experience with the offer or company.

Strengthen Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication:

This is a good step to safeguard yourself just in case you do fall for a scheme. It will make it harder for the scammers to finish the scam.

Use strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts. Include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information, such as your name or birthdate, and consider using a reliable password manager to securely store your passwords.

Additionally, enable two-factor authentication whenever possible, adding an extra layer of security to your accounts.

If you have trouble remembering passwords, try keeping a password logbook. I use main daily! I even bring it with me when I travel because I can never remember all my passwords. Click here to see this one on Amazon for just $8.

Verify the Source:

Before sharing personal information or engaging in any financial transactions online, verify the legitimacy of the source. Check for secure website connections (look for “https” and a padlock symbol in the URL), review the sender’s email address, and independently research the company or organization involved. If in doubt, contact the company directly through official contact information obtained from their official website.

E-mail is always a big tip-off. Check to see if the e-mail is from the company’s website, or from a free mail service like Gmail or Yahoo. If SHEIN is sending you a great offer, it will come from soandso@shein.com, not obviousscam@gmail.com.

For example, I was excited to receive this e-mail from Benefit Cosmetics until I saw the e-mail:

Exercise Caution with Personal Information:

Be cautious when sharing personal information online. Only provide sensitive details on secure and reputable websites. Avoid sharing personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account details, through unsecured email or messaging platforms.

Be mindful of the information you post on social media, as scammers can use it to target you with personalized scams.

Beware of Phishing Attempts:

Phishing is a common technique used by scammers to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information. Be wary of unsolicited emails, messages, or calls asking for personal details or financial information.

Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. When in doubt, independently verify the legitimacy of the request or contact the organization directly through official channels.

Keep Software Updated and Use Antivirus Protection:

Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, and other software to ensure you have the latest security patches. Enable automatic updates whenever possible. Install reputable antivirus software on your devices and keep it up to date. This provides an additional layer of protection against malware, spyware, and other online threats.

Trust Your Instincts and Report Scams:

If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your instincts and proceed with caution. Report any suspected scams to the appropriate authorities, such as your local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in your country. By reporting scams, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to the collective effort in combating online fraud.

You can also report the scammer’s account to Instagram or Facebook for fraud and block their account. Feel free to comment on the blog post here with any scams you have encountered and the scammer’s info. The more the info is shared, the better. Post the account name and info in your stories and warn other people to stay away.

Protecting yourself from online scams requires a proactive and informed approach. By staying skeptical, verifying sources, strengthening passwords, and exercising caution with personal information, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to online scams. Stay informed, be vigilant, and prioritize your online security.

Remember, staying safe online is an ongoing effort, so stay educated and adapt to the evolving landscape of online threats.