Tips on How to Determine If Something Is A Scam

It can be tough to determine if something is a scam. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if an email, phone call or advertisement is legitimate. We have provided some tips you can use to help you figure out if something is a scam. By being aware of the warning signs, you can protect yourself from getting scammed in the future. 

As more and more Australians fall victim to cybercrime, financial fraud and scams, it’s important to know how to spot a scam. With data breaches becoming increasingly common at major retailers, as well as the influx of scam text messages and emails, knowing what to look for can help you protect yourself from becoming a victim.

Firstly, you should educate yourself on the various ways scammers can obtain your personal information. Some of the most popular methods cybercriminals use currently are text message scams, email scams, social media scams and phone scams.

If you weren’t expecting any communication from the person, retailer, or credit provider, it’s probably a scammer pretending to be them. This is because big retailers and providers usually don’t communicate with their customers directly. The only exception to this might be if you called the business previously and left your number for a call-back.

Familiarity is something that scammers exploit in order to get you to engage with their message. This is why it’s important to take a close look at the email address or website given in a scam message before doing anything else.

Phishing is an email and text message attack that tries to trick you into opening an attachment or clicking on a link. The message looks legitimate, but it’s actually from a scammer. These messages can contain viruses or take you to a website where you’re asked for personal information.

In general, do not click on links or attachments that come from an unexpected source, especially if the SMS or email meets other qualifying criteria on this list.

Be confident that any company or credit service you need to use can be found on their website, both online and through physical locations. For example, if your internet provider sends you an email reminder to pay your bill, simply go onto their website and sign into your account. There you will instantly be able to see if there are any payments outstanding which then leaves you with the option of securely paying them yourself–all without clicking on links in emails!

If you get a call, email, or text from someone asking for your financial information or money, it’s probably a scam. Don’t be afraid to hang up/delete the message immediately.

Though we all hope for the best, sometimes the worst happens. Even the most diligent of us can fall victim to sophisticated scams. To maintain awareness of your financial wellbeing, checking your credit history and credit scores regularly is advised.

Every three months, credit reporting bureaus are legally obligated to give you a complimentary copy of your credit report. Because it may be crucial, consider requesting access to your credit history every quarter and making going through your file part of your habitual routine. If anything looks out of the ordinary, or if errors are recorded, immediately alert the reporting bureau and the listed credit provider.

If you have checked your credit score and report, and have found out you have negative listings, such as defaults, court judgements and fraudulent enquiries. Then contact Clear Credit Solutions today! We help to remove those negative listings through our credit repair process, so that you can go and obtain the finance you need! Our team of credit fix experts are ready and waiting to partner with you to clear up your credit history, so that you can move forward with your life goals.