MEANING OF SCAM.
A scam is a deceptive scheme or trick used to cheat someone out of something, especially money. Scam is also a verb meaning to cheat someone in such a way. Example: Banks will never call you asking for your credit card number or social security number over the phone.
COMMON WAYS TO AVOID BECOMING A FRAUD VICTIM.
1. Becareful of accepting cheap travel that are too good to be true
2. Consider all email requesting personal information suspicious
3. Protect your device, like your PC, laptop, smartphone and tablet with strong password and security programs such as antivirus/anti-spyware.
4. Don’t respond to phone call about your computer asking for remote access. Immediately hang up.
5. Beware and becareful when shopping online. Because most are fake.
6.Always shield your PIN and don’t ever send it over the internet or disclose it to anyone. Your bank or the police will never phone or email you to ask you to disclose it.
7. Consider your card details to be as valuable as cash – in the hands of a criminal there is no difference.
8. Shop only on secure websites. Before submitting card details, look for a padlock or an unbroken key symbol on your web browser.
9. Also check that the internet browser address changes from ‘http’ to https’ to indicate you have a secure connection.
10. Sign up to Verified by Visa or MasterCard SecureCode when given the option. Such systems provide an added level of security as you must register a password with your card company.
How to spot a fake
Clues for spotting a fake document
Documents are easily faked. Some will look just like the real thing but others might have warning signs, such as:
- generic rather than personal greeting
- names of organisations that don’t exist
- poorer quality presentation
- poorer quality grammar and spelling
- overly official or forced language.
Documents such as flight itineraries and bank statements have simple, uncomplicated layouts even when they are legitimate because such businesses allow their customers to print online statements. This means that scammers can easily create fake documents by using information available online such as company logos and graphics from websites.
Clues for spotting a fake email
Scammers can easily fake an official-looking email, using the same logo and design as the real company.
Often your guard is down when you receive an email from a company you’ve dealt with before, such as Australia Post or an online shopping site you use. If you’re not expecting an email, always be alert to a fake before clicking on any links or opening any attachments.
Clues for spotting a fake dating profile
When looking at a new dating profile, note anything unusual about their choice of:Clues for spotting fake profile
- photo
- location
- interests
- language skills matched to background.
Scammers often use fake photos they’ve found online.
Tip: Do an image search of your admirer to help determine if they really are who they say they are. You can use image search services such as Google or TinEye.
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