I get how nerve-wracking it can be to constantly face headlines about online fraud, hackers, and scams. The stress level will go even higher when you want to purchase an item online or check your Emails and don’t know if the link in your email takes you to an online webinar or deletes everything on your computer!
The anxiety you have doubles when you have kids! But the era of stress is over! Here in YounGo Money, we’ve put together a guide for you to learn the secrets of staying safe online and how to keep your little ones secured.
It’s sad to say that, in the last couple of years, online fraud has tripled in the UK, and so has the number of worried parents.
Table of Contents
What Can We Do About It?
Now, that’s the spirit! Before trying to defeat anything, we have to know it well. So the first step is to boost your knowledge of the safety of the websites you’re using and how can frauds misuse your lack of attention and awareness.
How to Stay Safe While Shopping Online?
Observe, Research and Deduce Like Sherlock Holmes
We can easily trust websites like eBay or Amazon as they are well-known and have been out there for many years. However, we may want to purchase items from small retailers from time to time and online frauds can sometimes dress as small businesses. So it’s vital to be able to detect them. If it’s your first time purchasing something from an unknown website, read all its reports and reviews. Google their names and find out about their reputation.
The Magical Combination of “s” and Padlock
Many websites have an “s” in their URL. In simple words, the “HTTPS” you see in the URL instead of “HTTP” tells you a lot about the website’s security. The HTTPS websites use a more secure way to communicate. As a result, if it’s not there, you may want to reconsider purchasing from it.
Browser Update, a MUST in Online Shopping
To make a web browser safe and secure, its makers update the software regularly. That’s why you should also make sure you have updated to the latest version before making a purchase online.
Don’t Reveal Your Secrets
You should know that your PIN, CVV number, and the long line of numbers on your card are your personal information. Don’t give away that easily. Some fraud websites ask you to enter these kinds of data, don’t fall into their trap and keep your data safe.
Regularly Change Your Password
Consider a password change routine for yourself. If your password is old or easy to guess, hackers and frauds can enter your account as easy as pie. Avoid using your name or your birthday. Instead, Use numbers and symbols to make it even stronger.
Log Out
Closing the browse after you’re done with it is not enough. Log out of your account when you are done shopping.
How to Stay Safe While Checking our Emails or Texts
Online frauds won’t limit themselves to online shopping. They won’t let you catch a break when you’re peacefully drinking your tea and checking your emails and texts.
They use deceitful messages and pretend to be retailers, your online streaming service or even police. The only solution to prevent falling victim to fraud is to know the red flags and think twice before responding to them or tapping on the link they send.
Does It Make Sense?
If the text seems weird, you better consider it a spam message. The only way is to control your emotions and rationally think about the text you received. If you can’t figure it out on your own, you can ask others. Does the police contact you via Email? Or Is it normal for a company to give away #5 pairs of its brand-new running shoes only by clicking the link?!
Don’t Click
Even if you don’t take the action that the message has asked you to, it may still be dangerous. Some fraud messages are designed to hack your device or steal your data only by opening the text or simply clicking on a link.
Don’t Give Away Your Card Details
The last thing you want to do is to send your credit card details to an online fraud! As we previously mentioned, in many of these messages, they may pretend to need your information for monthly charges or shipping services.
What to Do as a Parent to Shield Our Kids from Online Frauds?
Many parents may dream about a world where children would rather play with their friends than iPads. Or read books instead of making TikTok videos. But we all know it’s not possible!
I know it’s a big concern for you not knowing what your kids are doing online and whether they fall into online frauds traps or not. But the correct way to fix that problem is to know some tips and tricks to help them along the way and let them have a secure internet experience.
Internet Talk
It’s recommended to have a conversation with your children about how to be responsible on the internet before they enter the social media universe. Show them what is considered normal and what’s not.
Let them Come to You
Create a friendly atmosphere and make sure that your children will come to you whenever they encounter something odd online. Being so hard on them or constantly blaming them for receiving spam messages or being the target of online fraud can make them hide their problems from you.
To Sum Up
Every day, the fraud risk is getting higher. Therefore no one can be completely safe while using the internet. It’s helpful to know the signs keep you and your children safe.
Be careful not to freak your kids out. Just give them a head up and show them the ways of avoiding scammers.
