How to identify the signs of a scam and thus avoid falling for it? Within the framework of the SOS Nu initiative, in colombia It then presents four signs that will allow you to detect a possible scam and thus prevent it.
(The four most common ‘trading’ scams).
What do virtually all scams have in common? They all share the same logic: whether in person or online, scammers resort to a call-rigging technique «social engineering» to trick their victims. What criminals do is build trust and get people to impulsively provide information, take action, or make decisions.
The good news is that there are some signs that can help spot a scam attempt.
1
Does it seem too good to be true? Scam!
Can it be a certain investment proposal that doubles its value in a very short time? Is that text message that promises a very high limit credit card just by applying for it true? Criminals know how to “smell” vulnerability and take advantage of it by promising bargains and immediate financial solutions. Wary of «an offer impossible to refuse» is a good practice of prevention.
2
Is everything very urgent? Scam!
Another strategy is to appeal to the sense of urgency. And this works for them in different contexts: from false advertisements for products on the Internet to that message from an acquaintance asking for money, with great urgency. People in a hurry may tend to act before thinking and make hasty decisions. Given the incredible bargains that flood the internet, the recommendation is to put your heart aside and think with a cool head. Most of the time, a first inquiry reveals the security of websites. Another example of scam An acquaintance sends you a message and says that he needs money very urgently, it may suggest that it is a matter of life and death. As much as you trust the person and genuinely want to help, find out if that contact is true. Call the number, try a video call, or ask questions of the person to verify their identity. It is also efficient to try to contact him by other means.
3
Do they ask for necessary (and confidential) information? Scam!
Why would your financial institution call you asking for your card password? The passwords, whether it is the one for the credit card, the email, the one you use in applications or in electronic commerce and banks are personal. Under no circumstances should you share it with third parties. This also applies to your data. Anytime they ask for too much information by any means, set off alarm bells. In the case of messages and emails, the minimum is to check who the sender is and if their credentials are reliable. When using apps and giving access permissions make sure they make sense. Most of the time they don’t have to be mandatory.
4
A page that does not open forces you to download a file? Scam!
Distrusting (practically all) download pages that are opened voluntarily is nowadays a basic precaution. Very often these pages contain malware (malicious software) that can steal your data, so be extra vigilant when downloading files. There are situations where you inevitably need to download a program to perform an action on your cell phone or computer. When doing so, make sure that the download site is trustworthy. When downloading applications, try to only do it through official stores: almost all applications can be downloaded from the stores of the iOS and Android operating systems.
