How To Protect Yourself Online Financially And Emotionally
The World Wide Web is undoubtedly a fantastic invention, introducing many of us to a wealth of knowledge and opportunities. However, there is also a dark side to ‘online’—with devious people using it to create chaos, havoc, and financial loss. In my latest article, I will discuss how to defend yourself when you are surfing the web.
The internet provides a high level of anonymity, and many people take full advantage – whether it is hackers trying to steal your bank details, deals that are too good to be true (like the infamous’ billion dollar’ bank transfers) or even those who attempt to pull on your heartstrings using fake personal details.
Online Theft
The criminal underworld is always looking for new and unique ways to steal your hard-earned cash, and thanks to the growth of the web, stealing your bank details has become much easier. There are a variety of ways in which you can inadvertently lose access to your money.
For instance, when browsing search engines for that ‘hard-to-find’ item you have been looking for, you could very easily wander into a fake website that scammers have created to steal your money once you make a purchase.
Another potential problem is storing your details on an e-commerce store (which is generally safe). If the site gets hacked, then your login details (including your password) will be compromised, and many shoppers will invariably use the same password across multiple sites.
Poor Quality Purchases
Many stores will be guilty of offering poor-quality items for sale. However, they can be hard to spot as they use a number of unscrupulous methods to portray them as high-end.
For example, they can ‘steal’ images of products from reputable companies, use fake (or paid) reviews to boost sales or even list them as super cheap to gain extra traction. More often than not, these sub-par goods do not work as they should, break quickly or could even cause a health risk (such as via fire).
Catfishing
Catfishing is all about deception, manipulation and, in many cases, financial or emotional exploitation – scammers will create a fake online identity and lure people into relationships, friendships or even business deals. Many will do it out of loneliness, for attention, but in some cases, with sinister motives like fraud or blackmail. Thanks to social media, dating apps and messaging platforms, they have all the tools they need to build a convincing lie.
Photos are typically stolen from real people, and they piece together very believable life stories (with emotional tactics) to gain extra trust. Once they have you hooked, things can escalate quickly, causing you to become emotionally invested before you notice cracks in their story.
In some cases, they can lead you on an emotional rollercoaster for years and always cancel a real-world meet-up at the last minute (the big clue you have been catfished)—it is now so widespread; there is even a TV show that helps innocent victims find closure.
Real-World Consequences
Victims of online fraud and fake online relationships have lost millions – either via money directly taken from their accounts, stolen credit cards used to buy expensive goods, or faced blackmail after sharing private photos or information. In terms of catfishing, it can even lead to severe emotional distress or tragedy. One recent example is Alexander McCartney, who manipulated many people, even a teenage girl, which had a heartbreaking outcome—displaying that it is far more than an internet prank (it is a serious problem that can ruin lives).
How To Stay Safe Online
It is imperative that you practice safe-guarding habits when you are online. When shopping, avoid phishing emails or texts (the big giveaway is the misspelling of the brand’s name).
Check for the ‘lock’ symbol on the payment page so you know the connection is secure. It is advisable to use a credit card (especially for higher-priced items) if anything goes wrong, as they offer far better protection than a standard debit card. If you receive a faulty or substandard product, you can contact your credit card provider and request a chargeback, in which you will receive all of your money back (even the postage costs).
If you suspect someone is using fake information to contact you, you can take several steps. If the photos look too polished or professionally edited, you can run a reverse image search (it will then reveal if it is linked to someone else). If they continually avoid video calls or make excuses for in-person meet-ups, these are also big red flags.
If something or someone seems too good to be true, you are likely correct. Be cautious of the personal details you share, and never send money (no matter how convincing the story). Furthermore, you must be cautious about what you share on your social media. One effective method is by using Virtual Private Network (VPN), which adds an extra layer of protection. A VPN will keep your browsing activity private, making it much more difficult for scammers to track or gain access to your personal data.
Summary
The online world provides fantastic possibilities, but the dark side can quickly taint your experience. Just remember to keep your guard up to protect your interests. If you have been a victim, remember that you will need a period of emotional recovery (being deceived doesn’t just mean you were naive; it just means the scammer was skilled at deception). Just stay sharp, trust your gut, and control your wallet and emotions—by being proactive, you can enjoy the web without too many worries or risks!
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