I remember the old days… vaguely… when hard cash was used to purchase items. And if you didn’t have the money, then guess what… you couldn’t really buy it. Yes, you could go ahead and borrow money… but it came down to knowing what you had.
Technology has and has not…. helped.
Fast forward… we had debit/credit cards… now, we can pay via phone/watch and in some instances, we have repeat orders (where we get items delivered and automatically charged to our account!)
The issue here is… with this happening, we become a little lazy.
Not checking accounts. Not doing the due diligence required.
I’ve just been reading an article on the BBC News website – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60464668
Online subscription scams, many using bogus celebrity endorsements, are costing victims tens of millions of pounds a year,
And it’s easy to fall victim.
The ‘fraudsters’ have become more clever. Making websites, apps, letters, etc… all look real and authentic!
But there’s some good advice available to help you but be careful when…
- It seems too good to be true – for example, a holiday that’s much cheaper than you’d expect. Honestly, you’ll get some good deals but if it’s way cheaper than everyone else… ask yourself, why?! What could be happening here…
- Someone you don’t know contacts you unexpectedly – what would you do? – I was always told, don’t speak to strangers (when I was a child)- same rules apply online. Today. As an adult.
- When you suspect you’re not dealing with a real company – for example, if there’s no postal address…. Everyone should have an address. Everyone should have an office/unit/etc… search online get some details. Do some research first!
- You’ve been asked to transfer money quickly – old trick in the book. Don’t lose out… this offer won’t last long… please, take the time to understanding what and who you are dealing with.
- You’ve been asked to pay in an unusual way – for example, by iTunes vouchers or through a transfer service like MoneyGram or Western Union… if this happens, remember the old days of hard cold cash!
- You’ve been asked to give away personal information like passwords or PINs… Alarm bells please. Under no circumstances, even if it’s the bank calling you on the phone – NEVER GIVE OUT ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION TO ANYONE! Especially passwords and PIN’s. And Especially if they’ve called you. Now if you ring a bank or a company, find their telephone on their legitimate website – and then they’ll only ask for verification details – they will not ask for your whole personal details!
There’s some great advice available regarding scams, phishing, etc.. – https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/how-to-spot-a-scam-alFiz5h8mnJ9
If you’re not sure – ask someone you trust.