Knowing two sides of every story helps us to make the right choice. As we swim in the tech-crazy world, we may fall into a few superficial traps. Things that appear shiny and full of perks may be deep pits of scams.
The mouth-watering offers and appealing taglines often compel people to make the wrong moves.
Your sole lifeguard in the current hyper-tech scenario is to research and obtain information. Never judge a book by its cover. Instead, study, analyze, and research as much as you can.
As per Statista, the number of Internet uses around the world is now 4.66 billion. This indicates that over half of the global population is now using the Internet. Moreover, a study by FINRA, Better Business Bureau, and the Stanford Center revealed that about 53% of people contacted by scammers engage with them. Meanwhile, 47% will become suspicious and ignore them.
The increasing number of scams demands everyone to take it seriously. You can’t expect your venture to succeed in the digital world if you don’t know how malicious entities work.
Even if you think you never came across a scam, you probably haven’t realized it yet. It could disguise itself as a pop-up ad or a corporate email. SpamLaws reports that 45% of all emails sent globally are classified as spam. In some cases, senders of these emails end up earning $7000 every day.
This blog aims to clarify the haze and let you examine the myths surrounding scams. Here are some common myths about scams that you should bust:
MYTH #1: Everyone can detect a scam
Scam refers to all kinds of unsolicited digital communication sent out in bulk to people. In most cases, it temps the audience to sign up for a service. But, at the same time, it penetrates the system and fetches the users’ sensitive information. The perfect example of it is the airG scam.
One of the most widespread misconceptions people have is that scams are easily detectable. For example, most people think they can identify a spam email by the kind of grammar it uses. They believe that a professional email never comes with such errors.
This is an absurd idea. The scammers of this day are highly meticulous and well-educated. They know how to convince the audience.
MYTH # 2: Scams are rare
Optimism bias is when an individual is optimistic that a problem won’t hit them – no matter how common it is. Although it is good, too much positivity can often blur your vision. One should not let their guard down in the virtual arena.
The sheer uproar against the new Whatsapp privacy policy was a hot topic a few months ago. This tells us that modern consumers are cautious about their app usage. Similarly, when you are using a third-party service, you must stay careful. Even if you receive a link from a verified brand, take precautions before you click on it.
After the most popular Facebook data breach scandal, people are cautious about their online presence. Nonetheless, having an optimistic attitude doesn’t mean you can never be the target of such actions.
MYTH # 3: Scams cannot cause a financial damage
Scams can cause significant economic damage. According to Crowe, the world economy lost more than 5 trillion USD in 2019 due to scams.
People who fall into these traps should instantly report it to the concerned authorities.
Take the airG scam as an example. People who subscribed to Telstra and Vodafone ended up getting bills for a chat service they never opted for. When reported to airG, the company took instant remedial action towards airG scam. However, even though the deducted amount was relatively minor, it is not the same in all cases. Uncovering the reality in this and many other cases helps us conclude not to trust even the reputable names in the industry.
As per the US Federal Trade Commission, the imposter scam cost the country $667 million in 2019. This was a 34% increase from the previous year. Hence, economic losses could be pretty substantial when seen from a larger lens.
How to steer clear?
The best protection, as we mentioned earlier, is to stay well-informed. So here are some of the ways you can deploy to put on a solid front against digital scammers:
- Know who you deal with
If you come across an online individual or a venture, do a background check. Examine their credentials on Google and the people with whom they interact. Also, if you receive an email from a colleague or a friend, chat with them and ask if they sent it.
- Don’t click on fishy links, calls, or text
Some emails might contain links or ads that will compromise your personal information. Scammers can get remote access to your computer and breach the info. They offer services like account setting, fixing internet issues, or free upgrades. It is vital to double-check with the original service providers and plan your next move.
- Choose passcodes carefully
One must keep passwords that are meaningful to them. At the same time, it should be hard for others to figure out. An ideal password should be a combo of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Check your bills
No one could charge you for something you didn’t sign up for if you cross-check your monthly bills. Make sure to take a look at your statements and subscriptions. If you see a slight difference in the charged amount, call the service providers.
When you tell the service providers, you are doing them a favor. It helps them track how malicious parties are tarnishing their brand image via fake promotional messages. The same was the case with airG scam when people were scammed by clicking on malicious links.
Verdict – Be Vigilant!
There is no need to fret and think that the online world is a scary place. The Internet has a dark side, yet you can stay on the bright side with the proper steps. Our generation has witnessed a digital revolution. It is a gift if you know how to use it the right way.
This blog aims to inform you about the pitfalls you could fall into. First, know what links, pop-up ads, and emails to avoid. Then, when you spot an ill party, take due measures and inform others to ensure that everyone has a safe browsing experience around you.
