Fraud
Know the facts, prevent the danger
Fraud is an intentional deception through a seemingly harmless front for gain.
Types and Examples of Fraud
The three basic types of fraud are phishing, retail, and "work at home" opportunities.
- Phishing/smishing:
- Retail/auction:
- "Work at home":
Red Flags
Keeping an eye out for red flags will help keep your information and computer safe from potential scam artists.
- Emails from businesses: Your bank already has your information. If they are asking you to provide it through email, it is likely to be a fraud.
- Too good to be true: If a deal seems too good to be true, it most likely is.
- Instinct: Although it isn't the best red flag, if you feel that something is off, it well may be.
Avoidance
A few simple ways to avoid fraud are:
- Don't reply. If an email seems suspicious, don't reply. Replying provides the scam artist your information or the fact that your email is active, opening the door for more possible frauds, spam, and viruses.
- Customer ratings. Check customer ratings on products or businesses before you commit.
- Too good to be true. Again, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.