The Kestner Team

Online Fraud - 6 Tips to Avoid Becoming a Victim

RISMEDIA-If you have ever been a victim of online fraud, you know how much of a hassle it is to get your life back in order after the damage has been done. With attention being drawn to new fraudulent schemes practically on a daily basis, it is important to be aware of the red flags that are sure signs of fraud.

Research the average price for whatever you are shopping for online. Beware of scam artists who offer much lower prices as a way to entice online shoppers and perhaps enable you to lower your guard.

Don't let anyone rush you. Many online fraudsters will insist that the sale must happen immediately. This is often a way to force you to make a quick decision without thinking about the risks and consequences.

Be on the lookout for "Scammer Grammar." Red flags should go up if you see misspellings, words used incorrectly or language mistakes not typically made by those fluent in English. Also, beware of any seller that refuses to speak with you on the phone.

Don't shop online from a public computer or over a Wi-Fi connection. This could lead to the loss of valuable personal information, including credit card numbers.

If you get an email asking you to "update your account," don't take the bait. This is a common way to get you to give personal and account information to scam artists.

Spice up your passwords. Don't use the same password for all of your online accounts and be sure to steer clear of any words from the dictionary, even those spelled backwards. Instead, use letters, numbers and symbols to make your password more protective.

For more information, visit www.findlaw.com.

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