2024.09.11
by Artūras Ščerba
Internet scammers are becoming increasingly clever and often use sophisticated methods to deceive people. Here are some tips on how to recognize scammers online:
1. Suspicious Emails or Messages
If you receive an unexpected email asking for personal information, requesting payment, or prompting you to click a link, be cautious. Scammers often use unexpected messages and offer "urgent" deals that require immediate action.
Check the sender's email address (for example, by clicking "reply" and noting which email address you would be replying to). Scammers often use addresses that are similar to official ones but have slight differences, such as a website name "www.paysera123.lt" instead of "www.paysera.lt" or an email address "info@paysera123.lt" instead of "info@paysera.lt".
2. Link Verification
Before clicking a link, hover your mouse over it (wait a moment, and the link's path will appear above the mouse) and check where it leads. If it looks suspicious or does not relate to the official website, do not click it. If the email seems important, forward it to your IT specialist, or if you don't have one, you can always consult with us.
Scammers often use shortened URLs or domains that closely resemble legitimate ones, such as "www.gogle.lt" instead of "www.google.lt".
3. Website Security Check
Verify that the website uses a secure connection (SSL certificate). You can do this by checking whether the website URL starts with "https://" and if there is a padlock icon.
Scammers can create fake websites that look very similar to legitimate ones, so pay attention to the URLs.
4. Too Good to Be True
If an offer seems too good to be true (e.g., very cheap items, easy money, or free gifts), it might be a scam. Scammers often exploit people's greed or naivety.
5. Requests for Personal Information
Never disclose your personal information, passwords, or banking details via email, social media, or phone. Legitimate companies will never ask for such information in this way.
6. Unexpected Wins or Contests
If you receive a message stating that you've won a lottery or contest you didn't participate in, it's most likely a scam. Such messages often ask you to provide personal information or pay "administration" fees.
7. Social Engineering Tricks
Scammers may try to manipulate your emotions or use social networks to pose as your friends or family, asking for money or favors. Verify any unusual messages by contacting the person directly.
8. Reviews and Opinions
Before buying from an unfamiliar website or using a service, check reviews online. Scammers often have poor reviews or lack any reputation.
9. Security Software
Use good antivirus software and browser extensions that can help detect malicious websites, links, or files.
10. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Enable two-factor authentication on your most important accounts (e.g., email, bank accounts, social media, online stores) to protect them from unauthorized access.
11. Awareness and Education
Stay alert and learn to recognize different types of scams. Regularly check for news about the latest scam methods.
Stay vigilant and never trust information or offers you are unsure about. If you have doubts about any message, it's better to consult an expert or verify it through official channels.
