Know More About Avoiding Fraud or Scams on Internet by Antivirus Software

 Know More About Avoiding Fraud or Scams on Internet by Antivirus Software

In recent times we are witnessing an undeniable boom on the Internet, as a platform from which very different procedures can be carried out: from paying for a movie ticket to getting a plane ticket or booking a hotel room, to carrying out operations with Our bank. Although the use of the Internet in these procedures has the advantage of speed, convenience, versatility, economy, etc., this circumstance can be used by so-called "cybercriminals" to commit scams and fraud that we can avoid or, at least minimize, following a series of tips when operating online.

An example of a widespread scam on the Internet is the so-called “phishing” or identity theft. It is a very widespread fraudulent technique through which fraudulent emails are sent that, apparently, come from trusted sources (banks, organizations, public bodies). In this email, they usually appear Webs equal to the real ones; logos, symbols, and corporate image identical to the official ones and links that lead to the fraudulent website.

The modus operandi used is that unsolicited emails are sent to email addresses in which we are asked to check the bank account, click on a link or link provided and where data such as username, password or password are requested, DNI, Social Security number, ...

Likewise, we may receive unsolicited emails in which users are alerted that their account is being used fraudulently and that if it is not answered, providing the access data to it, it will be immediately cancelled.

How Can We, at the Least Minimize the Effects of Phishing?

- Delete any mail that may seem suspicious or whose origin is not known, without opening it. Delete any spam or junk mail ( do not open its attachments, or access its links ).

- Avoid chain letters, as these are a source of junk mail (spam), and a way of collecting email addresses potential sources of phishing. To do this, it is best to send emails with hidden recipients.

- Have an updated ANTIVIRUS installed on the computer, in addition to having the latest versions of the software for the computer programs. This is extendable to smartphones and tablets. If an antivirus product is installed, it is updated periodically. This antivirus can contain different operations such as anti-phishing functions that analyse the access pages to verify that they are safe and that identity is not stolen. In addition to antivirus, you must protect yourself with anti-spyware, malware, and adware programs.

- If an antivirus product is installed, it is updated periodically. This antivirus can contain different operations such as anti-phishing functions that analyse the access pages to verify that they are safe and identity is not stolen. In addition to antivirus, you must protect yourself with anti-spyware, malware, and adware programs.

- Do not click on the links that come in supposedly fraudulent or dubious emails, since this can lead to the hypothetical fraudulent pages (it is always safer to type the address directly in the address bar of the computer ).

- Remember that a bank will never request user information, passwords, and personal data through an email.

- Before entering personal data on a certain web page, make sure that it is a secure server (the page address begins with https, presence of a padlock in the address bar).

- If you have received any of these emails or if you are the victim of deception of this type, do not hesitate to notify the entity whose identity has been impersonated and report it to the Police or the Civil Guard.

Shopping online is safe if you follow a series of tips or a few minimum security rules.

- Perform an examination of the online store or e-commerce before making a purchase, and compare prices.

- It is necessary to inform as much as possible of the data of the selling party (address, telephone, ...). The well-known Internet search engines can be a good option for the collation of data.

- Make purchases in electronic stores or auction pages that offer confidence (because they have been used before or because they have favourable opinions from other people). 

check the information that exists about the company responsible for the website. It can be verified, in the "Who we are" section, electronic security seals such as VeriSign, Trust-e, or Confianza Online certificates should be included, which allow confirming the authenticity of the page. It is recommended, although it may be tedious, to carefully read the contact information and also the "Legal Area" section or the "Terms and Conditions". It can also be useful to read the frequently asked questions and verify that they have a customer service in case you have to claim. Web pages that do not offer any identifying information that allows their location should be avoided at all costs.

- Be suspicious of ads with excessively low prices (they may hide fraud or a manifest lack of quality).

- At equal prices, always buy on Spanish or European Union websites, since Spanish and European regulations are a guarantee for the resolution of possible claims. Be wary of bargain ads when the ad is in incorrect or poorly written language.

- Do not buy when an advertisement or offer comes from an unknown or unsolicited site (they can be a source of spam or phishing).

- Check that the prices offered include taxes and do not present hidden additional costs, such as management costs or fees.

- Be wary of business proposals that sound too good to be true (immediate solution of financial problems, excellent job opportunities, investments without any risk, offering gifts, ...).

- If a transaction is made with a mobile terminal or tablet, it is recommended that said transaction be made through a mobile application, if it exists, instead of the Internet page itself. Many companies have applications for mobiles and tablets that allow the purchase process to be carried out safely. Therefore, it is recommended to download and install it on the mobile device to proceed from the application itself and not from the mobile browser.

- It is necessary to try to avoid connection networks that are public or not protected with an access password, as well as to carry out these operations in phone booths and the like. In these conditions, cybercriminals can access more easily since there are fewer security measures.

- Be suspicious of advertisements in which they request to use a premium rate telephone.

- Use in Internet transactions trade always safe page starts with https, a padlock in the address bar.

- Always try to pay cash on delivery, discarding money remittances to a certain address, and without providing bank account details. Go to secure payment methods. If you don't have a credit card, Pay Pal offers a fast and secure way to make purchases or transfer money. If a card is used, check that it has the correct CVV on the back. Many banks offer the option of sending messages when a certain operation is made with the card. It is advisable to use bank transfers as a form of payment as it allows you to track the money. Runaway from money transfer companies like Western Union, Money Gram, ..., as they are frequently used by criminals by leaving no trace. If you are asked for advance payments on an online page, don't do it. Likewise,

- It is vitally important, especially with regard to possible claims, to download and store in a safe place all the invoices and receipts that the company sends. These documents serve as a guarantee in case of problems, as well as to have precise control of the expenses that are being made.