Thursday, April 11, 2013

Being Wary of Scam Websites


Getting what you need is as easy as 1-2-3 because of the Internet. Shopping, for instance, has been completely revolutionized by the World Wide Web; gone are the days when you have to go on long drives to stores for purchases. Nowadays, all you have to do is connect to cyberspace, find a merchant website, and order whatever it is you want.

Unfortunately, this convenience has its downsides, the biggest of which is probably the increasing number of fake websites made to trick unknowing consumers into giving up their personal information and bank account details. This is why identity fraud protection is crucial these days. However, identity protection is also about awareness on how scammers operate.

What you should be most wary of are sites that make unbelievable claims. For instance, most fake online shops offer unreasonably low prices for great products. Or they make sweeping claims to have stocks of goods that are in supposedly very short supply. So check reviews for these sites before buying, as previous victims often let others know to steer clear. Having an identity fraud detection software will also help, as these applications often have features that block suspicious sites.

In case you do manage to provide sensitive financial information for a site that you only realized later on to be fake, give your bank a heads up right away. Your available are usually to wait for the transaction to clear before disputing it or have your financial institution close the account immediately before any money gets taken. Also, use your free credit score reports and bank statements to constantly monitor your account.