(RepublicanPress.org) – Long before the adoption of modern technology, swindlers sought opportunities to exploit unsuspecting individuals. Sadly, the online realm has emboldened scammers. If you believe you are immune to the tactics of scam artists attempting to steal your hard-earned money — think again. These tricks could fool anyone.
The first scam centers around complimentary Wi-Fi. Whether you’re at a coffee shop, retail outlet, or the local library, internet access is readily available. While this service is commonly provided by businesses and hotels, it can be a segway for scammers to collect your private data. These fraudsters employ a hotspot in establishments offering free Wi-Fi, anticipating patrons will connect. Once connected, these individuals gather the desired information, leaving victims oblivious to the security breach. Before connecting to free Wi-Fi, confirm the network’s name with management.
Another scam online involves phishing through email or text. In this scheme, the unsuspecting person receives a message from someone claiming to be a long-lost family member with promises of wealth — for a nominal fee. The phishing scam could also be an email that leads the victim to a convincing website designed to harvest private information for identity theft. Guard against these scams by leaving all unsolicited links unclicked, and don’t pay anyone for an improbable inheritance — no matter who they claim to be.
Another scam involves the lottery or sweepstakes. The targeted individual may not recall entering any lottery, yet the allure of winning a lifetime of wealth and prizes proves irresistible. The scam begins with the victim receiving a notification claiming they won the lottery. Only, there is no lottery. Similar to the false inheritance scenario, the scammer asks the victim to pay a fee or tax to receive their money or prize. Prizes and lotteries have no fees, and taxes are paid after money is collected — not before.
Keep in mind that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
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