Easy tips to protect yourself (and your loved ones) from online scams

As more and more people use the internet and digital devices for shopping, banking, and other daily activities, online scams have become increasingly prevalent, sophisticated, and even personalized.

In the Philippines, mobile users lost millions of dollars to text scams that offer jobs, prizes, work-from-home opportunities, and money. Some of these fraudulent text messages contain the victims’ full names, leading the government to urgently clamp down on soaring phishing attacks.

The truth is anyone can fall victim to fraudulent schemes, as scammers target individuals or organizations regardless of their background. They can use a range of tactics including emails, text messages, websites, software, and apps, among others, to steal your personal information or your money. If you’re not aware of their schemes, you can be easily caught off guard.

Keep the following tips in mind to protect yourself and your loved ones from online scams.

Keep your computers and mobile devices updated

To keep your laptop or mobile phone safe from online threats, it’s important to keep them up to date with the latest version of the operating system, drivers, and antivirus or firewall software. Updates often include security patches that fix known vulnerabilities to prevent unauthorized access to your device and protect your data from cybercriminals. So be proactive and install updates promptly to keep your device from being compromised.

Guard your personal information and passwords

Be cautious when sharing personal information online, including your full name, address, phone number, bank details, credit card information, or social security number. Never provide such sensitive data to anyone, especially strangers whom you’ve only met online. 

In addition, always keep your passwords or PIN numbers in a safe place, as they are as important as your house keys. Remember that no legitimate organization or individual will ever ask for your password, so don’t share it with anyone.

Do not easily trust anything or anyone you see or meet online 

Scammers are adept at creating authentic-looking websites and social media profiles or offering deals that promise great returns with minimal risk. It’s wise to be cautious of such offers that seem too good to be true, especially for online shopping or get-rich-quick schemes that require you to provide personal information or upfront payments.

Moreover, during times of crisis, scammers often set up fake charities or fundraising drives to trick people into donating money. Before donating, do your research first to make sure the organization is legitimate.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) also warns the public about romance or love scams that usually happen on social media or dating apps. In this modus operandi, scammers lower your defenses by trying to build a romantic relationship with you and playing on emotional triggers to get you to eventually disclose your personal information or send them money. It’s crucial to always consider that the encounter might be a scam and think twice before sending money.

Disregard suspicious messages, pop-up windows, links, or email attachments 

One of the most common tactics cybercriminals use to acquire your personal information, passwords, or other sensitive data is sending you suspicious texts, pop-up windows, or emails with links or attachments. These may appear legitimate, but they could contain malware or phishing attempts aimed at tricking you into disclosing your personal information. Stay vigilant and protect your data by refraining from opening, responding to, or clicking on anything that seems suspicious or untrustworthy.

If you’ve encountered a potential fraudster or become a victim of an online scam, the PNP recommends filing a report to the nearest local police station.

Some red flags to watch out for: 

• Unprofessional communication with poor grammar or misspelled words
• Offers from a law enforcement agency to investigate your scam and recover your money in exchange for a fee
• Any demand for an upfront payment, pressuring you to act right away or not giving you a chance to say no
• Web addresses that do not begin with “https”
• A message from a friend or loved one that seems out of character

By following these tips, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from online scams and enjoy a safer, more secure online experience. Remember, when it comes to online safety, knowledge is key. It’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Stay safe out there!