5 Ways To Protect Yourself From On-line Scammers.

Concerned about being scammed on-line?

These points can help you keep yourself more aware of the tricks scam artists use.

1. Check the website you're visiting is secure

The web address (URL) should start with https:// (the "s" is for security) look for this if you are ever asked for any personal information.

A "lock" icon in the browser bar means that the website is encrypted - this can be a good thing but all this is showing is that the data is encrypted and will not always mean the website is legitimate.

2. Be very very careful with your emails and personal data.

NEVER ever show, tell or give anyone your passwords or PINs and never write them down. Another thing is not to have the same password for all your accounts.

There are Apps that you can buy that will securely store your passwords. You also need to be vigilant and check out reviews on the apps before you download them.

3. Suspicious Emails

If you receive a suspicious email, forward it to the company that the email professes to be from - most proper businesses etc have a dedicated email address for reporting. Do not reply to any links provided in the email - search on the internet for the company website independently.

4. Emails that request financial information

Phishers (scam artists who try to get confidential private information by tricking you) will often send emails with a sensational subject line or message that makes you feel that you have to react now.

They will threaten closing your account or suspending it, or even send you "confirmation" of a payment you have made to a fictitious person. This is a trick designed make you use the quick links in their email so they can get your log-in details or other info.

These links will take you to a website that "looks" like the company site. Remember that reputable companies will never ask you for passwords or account information in an email.

If you are not sure, give them a call - on a number you've already got or have found on the net (don't use ANY of the contact information from the email they send you).

5. Regularly check your accounts

Keep an eye on all your on-line accounts and statements. If you do see something suspicious report it straight away.

The quicker you act, the better. Remember it is so easy to fall for these scams so ALWAYS think twice or more times before giving any information on-line or by email - if the information is valuable to you then it is just as valuable (if not more so) to scam artists!

If you think you have made a mistake, don't be embarrassed about it ACT!