This week is National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW).During NCPW, the Federal Trade Commission offers various tips and resources to protect you from scams and malicious activity. Keep yourself safe with these general tips:
Everything from email accounts to tax refunds can be done online. While this is convenient, it does make your data more vulnerable to cybercriminals. Make sure to create strong unique passwords. Avoid reusing the same password and consider using two-factor authentication when you can.
Some scams start with random phone calls or emails offering good deals. Responding to these offers by clicking links or calling a number may expose your contact information to scammers. Always be sure to check the URL of a link carefully before clicking to ensure that it is a legitimate website.
Scammers will try to get you to send them money through a process that is untraceable. This includes methods like a wire transfer, mail, or prepaid cards. These methods make it almost impossible to track and will make getting your money back difficult.
Almost all scams start with the promise of something that sounds like a great deal at first. It could be a good bank rate, a job, a scholarship, or even someone pretending to look for love. Whenever you encounter situations like this, take the time to research and make an informed decision. Always remember that you have the option of simply saying, "No thanks."
Stay Safe!