Online hacking and other fraudulent activity is a real threat across the globe.
It’s estimated that cybercrime cost the United States more than $450 billion in 2024 alone, with emails being the leading contact method for fraudsters. And since the biggest banks and online retailers all communicate by email too, cutting through the noise and spotting a scam can be hard.
Fortunately, there are some simple and effective ways to protect your accounts. Here’s how to get started.
1. Recognize common scam techniques
Scammers use an incredibly wide variety of platforms and mediums to trick people into giving away their personal details. Learning how to identify these scams could help to keep you and your money safe.
A few of the most frequently reported types of attempted scams include:
- Phishing emails
One of the most prevalent types of attempted scams, phishing emails trick people into clicking a link. This usually directs them to pages asking for personal data or payment information.
Phishing emails usually ask you to do something urgently and may pretend to come from someone you know.
- Fake websites
Unfortunately, there are thousands of fraudulent websites built every day. These usually try to imitate brands you’re already familiar with, and scammers do a convincing job.
- Phone calls
Many scammers operate over the phone, so you should always be suspicious of calls from unknown numbers. Never give away personal information if you’re not confident about who you’re speaking to. If you’re in doubt, don’t pick up.
- Text messages
It’s normal to get a text message from your bank or a business you’ve recently bought from. But sometimes your transactions and interactions will be noticed or intercepted by scammers, who attempt to mimic the provider. You should learn how to recognize genuine updates.
2. Secure your accounts
Keep your login details private. Along with protecting your username from the public eye, you should always use unique and complex passwords for your accounts. This is especially important for online banking and other financial services or applications.
If you find it hard to set a different password for everything, don’t worry. Keeping records and using an online password generator can help to keep your accounts secure without the effort. It’s the perfect solution to creating stronger passwords for banking and billing.
3. Use secure payment methods
Finally, don’t forget that your payment method is super important too.
Credit cards offer better protection against fraud than debit cards, since if your information is compromised, there’s no pot of money to steal. Online platforms with SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption provide more streamlined privacy and authentication when you enter card details.
Avoid saving payment information on websites that you don’t completely trust. If you must use a debit card, try to use a spare one for internet shopping only.
With caution and awareness, you can learn how to keep your information safe against online criminals. It only takes one mistake to see your funds disappear, but there are plenty of warning signs to learn about first.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
