To unmask scams using street smarts is using common sense to avoid becoming a victim. Training yourself to be aware by using your street smarts, can play a big role in how well you avoid a scam.The scammers try the sneakiest ways they can find to trick you. Not surprisingly, it is becoming more and more difficult to sort out the real from the fake. Being aware and using common sense is a way to unmask scams.
Unmask Scams Using Street Smarts And Stay Safe
To keep yourself safe and avoid getting mugged, you would avoid areas that have poor lighting and are located in the wrong sections of town. The same hold true on the internet. If you are searching online you want to look for safe areas to search. Always beware of sites that are not as safe.Some security software will warn you if you are about to enter unsafe sites that could compromise your computer.
The web is a great source of information, and entertainment. But, when you are on the web you have to remember that your computer is being analyzed constantly. Every move you make is being recorded to use in
marketing products that you search for, or shop for. You must be careful.
Sites use software to track your every keystroke. When you visit the sites that are sleazy, they will be using their sleaze to try to get your business.
The time spent gazing is time used to fill up your computer with cookies and sometimes much worse, adware and malware.
Always Use Good Security Software To Unmask Scams
Be sure you are using good quality anti viral, anti-malware protection. Use a modem to keep you behind a natural firewall. They do a great job of filtering out quite a bit of the nasty stuff out there.
Always be suspicious of everything you are looking at. Hooking your computer directly to the cable is giving a direct route into your computer. That is never a good idea. Never browse the internet without good security software installed in your computer.
Free Products Do Not Always Offer Good Scam Protection
You can expect a free product, or trial sample to be limited in size or amount.A free sample allows for people to use it and see what they think! Why would free software be as effective as premium software you purchase? It isn’t. I learned my lesson the hard way after getting my computer compromised by malware.
Now, don’t get me wrong, you can get some pretty good virus protection on a free trial, and be just fine.It is always better to have some protection, than to have none at all. But, why do that for any length of time? We spend good money on our computers, and we should protect our investment well.
Using Street Smarts In You Emails
Emails are another area that you must be suspicious. Each year thousands of email scams ask people for money in many ways that are illegal. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Why would someone give you millions of dollars for anything? Don’t believe the “moving funds traps” that appear constantly.
Someone needing help to transfer funds is a scam. Anyone who moves funds does it directly through the bank. Don’t believe the weasel words of a claimed disability.
Or a reason they will be out of the country and unable to transact the transfer. They prey on you by saying they need your help. It is all a ploy to get your money.
An example scam I opened in my mailbox a few days ago
This Scam Uses Religion And Gods Work To Persuade And Gain Trust
This is clearly an illegal scam to try to defraud the Botswana government. If it were real, and you fell for it, you could end up in jail. The bad English, and outrageous sum of 10 million 500 thousand dollars??? A result of an over-invoiced contract?
A lot of helpful information on that article. I did not know there are countries that are red flags.
I think I have seen many guys from these countries on Twitter and Facebook.
This fact makes me unsure about these sites. Do you think that Google, Facebook, Twitter and other huge sites, do they protect us from scammers?
Is it possible Google drive me to a scam site after a simple search? Can I find a scammer on a Facebook page?
Hi Ilias,
It is true, some countries are more dangerous for many reasons. Poverty and corrupt governments and police are just a few. You very likely have seen some of these people reported as scammers. We all think that we are safe, but don’t be fooled. look at the latest reports of Russian interference on Facebook in our elections. Businesses and government can only do so much, we have to always have our guard up. I don’t believe google would drive you to a scammer, but the scammer could lure you to his site based upon your searches. I would think it is very possible to find a scammer on Facebook. Thanks for stopping by and taking time to leave a comment!
Chas
Hey Chas:
Your points are well-taken. Just because the tricksters come at you out of a computer screen doesn’t make the tricks any less transparent. Awareness and paying attention with a big helping of HUH? certainly does help as you move through the Internet landscape.
It bears repeating: If it’s too good to be true, it very likely is not.
Thank you.
Hi Netta,
Exactly, always be suspicious and on guard, just as you would be in real life. You are not any safer online. People are very cleaver, and the scammers will always be trying to get your money. Beware always.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Chas
Hi there. Many thanks for these tips. Yes if it’s too good to be true, it’s probably not real.
The Botswana email really cracked me up. It seems the bank governor doesn’t have a shred of integrity (assuming that the email is true lol).
But what’s surprising is no matter how ridiculous these scams are, there are still people that get scammed… I think what’s your are doing to unmask these scams is a good effort to educate those people out there.
Keep up the good work buddy!
Hi Isaac,
Exactly, and people should know better! But, every year thousands of people fall for this. I am hoping that if people read it often enough, they will learn not to fall for them. Thanks for the encouragement, and I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment.
Chas
Excellent post – in an age where humanity seems to have such a serious problem with pornographic material, violence, celebrities and generally researching not nice things on the internet – the information you provide here is vital for people to get to grips with.
I always have a rule personally where the “sweeter” the website looks the less i trust it, the more flashing noise, promises and sensationalism i see, the less i trust it.
Your right about the Nigerian 419 scam too, anyway keep up the great work!
Hi Marley,
I think people assume too much security when the search the web, and really should think about it. I agree with you, once I see all the bells and whistles I get nervous and leave. Countries around the world do not have the same laws we have here in the U.S. and fraud is more prevalent.
Thanks for your kind words, and taking the time to comment.
Chas