Avoiding scams on the internet
More and more Internet users that opt for online shopping are on dates when the stores are packed with last minute shoppers.
Cyber criminals, are now aware that online purchases or soaring, redoubling their efforts and multiplying the scams, including spam campaigns with Christmas content, attempts to 'phishing' or emails with false invoices. Specifically, there are three scams that are very common at the moment.
The first is the false reporting of courier services and delivery of packages. These messages suggest that a package could not be delivered and requests further payments or confirmation of personal data. Moreover, these emails tend to have attachments that can infect your computer with all kinds of spyware and malware.
The second type of scam is which distributes luxury goods bargains and discounted prices. These notices usually arrive as email (spam) where scammers promise branded products, from luxury watches or gadgets to designer handbags or shoes, at ridiculous prices. The objective is usually to steal banking and personal data during the purchasing process.
Thirdly, adult Christmas cards.These adulterated Christmas cards are another popular scam attempt.They often include malware attachments or links leading to infected websites that will harm your computer.
Safety Tips
The first recommendation is to examine the online store before making a purchase.This should include the reading of the legal information, as well as everything related to transport costs etc.
If any online store raises suspicions or has very little reputation then stay away. You can easily find out if they are blacklisted by doing some searches in forums.
Secondly it is important to be attentive to your browser information. During the checkout process, you must pay attention to the safety notices displayed in the browser to ensure that data is transferred in encrypted form.
Make sure that it is truly encrypted by observing the padlock in the address bar, the abbreviation 'https' and the green background used by many browsers. Also make sure that the domain shown corresponds to the site you want to visit. "Take special care with the latter because the scammers use a variation of the domains with slightly different spelling e.g. "Yafoo" instead of "Yahoo" tricked many Japanese.
Thirdly, be careful with online banking. A dual authentication system (initial password sent to the mobile code holder of the current account, for example) or similar should be used when operating online banking to make the process as safe and secure as possible.
Fourthly, users must get used to eliminating spam. Spam mail should be eliminated without even being opened. Under no circumstances should you open attachments or links in these emails because they can lead to false online stores, fraudulent payment services or release infected files.
Finally, it is important to verify that you have closed any security breach that you may have on your computer. Make sure that your operating system, browser and other applications are updated frequently. This not only applies to personal computers, but also smartphones and table devices.
