Sad as it may sound, online scams are not only becoming more common but the more common they are, the more advanced and more sophisticated these scams become.
- Tried to go on an online banking site to do some online banking transactions and did not notice that it was a fake website?
- Got a call from LHDN about unpaid taxes or in short, nearly falling for the scary message from LHDN is about to blacklist your name for income tax?
- Saw a job offer or an employment recruitment call with benefits that seem to pay more than the hourly rate at retail and more surprisingly, it’s for an office job?
There are all kinds of scams out there because the ugly truth is that scammers will always find outrageously creative and dangerous ways to create complex scams all just to get your money and run you financially dry. The thing is, however, the main factor these scams work on people is mainly because they prey on fear and anxiety. That’s how scammers become more motivated to do what they do – as cruel as it sounds, it is the ugly truth.
Scammers really do not care as long as they know they can trick you into robbing you blind. Everyone needs money, everyone earns money and if making an honest living is too difficult, why not make money at the expense of people’s honest livelihood?
Now, the harsh reality is that scams will never go away and there will never be a stop to them. It is also not very fair to blame and blame the victims of these scams for not being aware or having to be informed enough because it can happen to anyone and everyone. Admittedly, I was nearly a victim a couple of times and I know of a few friends who were more cautious to have also fallen for certain scams too.
While we cannot stop scams from happening, it is always better to be aware and more informed of them and how to spot the signs.
So here are really important key points and reminders to take note of:
1. If something is too good to be true, it is often not true.
Online shopping quite often falls under this. A deal that seems too good to be true? What’s more, it also includes a flash sale? Don’t be too quick to jump on it. What you should look out for:
– Are the sales from authorized or verified sellers?
– Are the reviews legitimate or do they seem fake?
– What is the comparison of prices of the same item that is put on sale?
2. Do not ever share personal details such as bank account number, IC number or passport ID and other info that will jeopardize your personal security.
Additionally, actual banks and companies are not allowed to have sensitive information as the following and they especially will never ask for your online banking password or demand access to any of your accounts.
3. Double-check or cross-check the contact details.
Eg: If you receive a call from LHDN, check the number that called you and then check on the actual website or contact info of LHDN. Is it the same?
Ensure that all the correct, authorized and valid contact details.
4. Always ask as many questions as you can
Acting on your suspicion would be the best advice here. The more you keep asking and questioning about the scam, the more the potential scammer will start to panic and may end up giving themselves away.
5. Always read thoroughly every detail.
In emails, some of the more obvious telltale signs to look out for are the grammar structure and the English comprehension of the content. Formal emails from banks and established companies will always ensure to edit and properly format their email content. You would be surprised how glaring the grammar mistakes are on an email by a scammer.
6. Do not simply click on suspicious links.
Some links that are included in email scams contain malware and viruses, allowing hackers to breach into your system and have access to your personal data. Sometimes it looks too convincing that it does make you need to click it. However, it is better to be safe than sorry.
7. Job scams: Remember, there is really no such easy way to make money.
Aside from multiple get-rich schemes, posters of potential job scams would highlight on making money fast by the minute or the hour, including a lot more money than the average retail or jobs in the essentials sector. Just as mentioned in #1, if it’s too good to be true, it’s often not true. As tempting as it would seem, it is often not worth the trouble.
8. Always listen to your instincts.
Be doubtful, be suspicious. If your instincts try to warn you that something seems like a scam then it’s very likely it is, you are saving yourself from the worst.
Other reminders to take note of:
– Don’t be too afraid to ask for help if you are unsure
– Take time to do some research on what’s true and what is not
Scammers often act on desperation and they prey on people’s fears and anxiety, creating a sense of urgency. Anyone could be a victim so learning how to spot the signs and be more informed will be beneficial for your own safety.
So always be wary and be safe.
Jasmine RCK is a content writer under Headliner by Newswav, a programme where content creators get to tell their unique stories through articles and at the same time monetize their content within the Newswav app.
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