Last year, U.S. consumers reported nearly 2.4 million fraud complaints. Imposter scams topped the list, followed by telephone scams and online shopping fraud.
A recent survey showed two-thirds of Americans think they are tech savvy, but after answering a few questions, it showed most of them are not. They open emails from people they don’t know, give out personal info to strangers and think they’re safe on most online shopping sites.
A survey of over 2,000 people, mostly Millennials, found that 64% always considered their information to be safe when online, 55% said they would open a link in an email from a stranger, and 55% said if they were hacked, they wouldn’t know what to do.
The best way to protect yourself is to always keep your browser -- like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari -- updated. Next, don’t share too many personal details on social media. Even seemingly harmless details like the name of your pet could reveal clues about your password.
Next, never open links from emails without taking a close look. If you click one, you could be downloading malware, viruses, and more. If you get an email asking you to participate in a survey or a pitch for a money-making opportunity, never click on it.
Although it’s tempting, skip the online quizzes that pop up on Facebook and other social media sites. They can collect and sell your data.
Finally, be cautious when filling out health care info online. Providers now ask for you to fill out forms in advance. Be wary about putting down your Social Security number or mother’s maiden name. Instead, give it to them in person when you arrive for the appointment.
Most importantly, know what two-factor authentication is and always use it if a website or app offers it. If you use Google, Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat or Instagram, experts say it’s a good idea to use it.