Ways to Avoid Cyber-Theft

Today the internet is empowering everyone, whether doing legit business or not. You can look up any information you need, only to get more than you intended to. Those who are working and using the internet for development thumbs up. However, some people are professional hackers, and their lives are about performing fraud behind computers. Woe unto you if your details like your bank’s routing number, social security information, driving license, among others, fall into the wrong hands. You can end up losing millions of dollars through Cybercrime annually.

Cyber theft is in different forms, but the result to them all is losing money to fraudsters. It is the use of a computer to achieve actionable goals like child pornography, child trafficking, money theft, identity theft, violating the privacy of someone, or intellectual property theft. Most of these crimes happen through the internet through websites, email hacking, credit card hacking, or stealing bank information.

There are unknown individuals somewhere behind a computer working tirelessly to harvest from other people’s work. It is unfortunate for the public who are not aware of these tactics. It is a requirement Today to keep a vigil on your data to ensure it doesn’t land in the wrong hands.

Most Common Cybercrime acts Today

The main intention of a fraudster is to deceive an unsuspecting person to get their details with n intention to steal from them. Technology has advanced and enabled people to shop online from the comfort of their homes. In this same way, it has given fraudsters the equal opportunity to advance in their wayward ways. Most common Cybercrimes Today,

• Hacking
• Identity theft
• Scanning
• Computer Viruses
• Ransomeware
• DDoS Attack
• Botnets
• Phishing
• Spoofing

Cyber theft scams

Here, scammers have access to your personal information, which can be used to compromise your bank. If they access your credit card details, they quickly assume your details and even continue to make purchases using your name. Your bank details like the routing number to your bank, plus your bank is enough for someone to withdraw money from your account.

It is your responsibility to keep your details safe to avoid being scammed and losing money. Identity theft has been a problem from time immemorial, but the internet has fired up everything. If anything comes up in your account that you can’t substantiate, or it looks suspicious, then pick it up with your bank immediately.

In the event where you lose your credit cards, in the example, your chase.com verifycard, be proactive and inform your bank to freeze them immediately. If hackers get them, they will be on a shopping spree, and it might take you time to notice the malpractices. Never share your details with a stranger, as that may result in you losing money.

If you make payments by check, you need to be extra careful as it holds all your sensitive information. All a hacker needs are these details to accomplish their goals. In a situation where you have to fill in your personal information, make sure that whatever you are processing is genuine.

Can someone use my Account number and my Routing number to steal from me?

The answer is yes. If someone has these two details, they can deposit money in your account. In the wrong hands, someone can go shopping in your name, and that is identity theft. A routing number alone is not sufficient for someone to access your money. However, if they get it from a check you issue, your problem is just beginning. A person can send questionable funds to your account and land you in problems with the law.

Settling bills with checks is a sensitive affair as you have no choice about providing all your details to them involuntarily. As you issue the check, confirm your routing number, and if you are not sure about it, confirm it from here. It is upon you to take care of your details, as you may suffer financial losses that are hard to recover from if the opposite happens. Avoid sharing your routing number with anyone. As for your account number, it is no secret, and it is not meant to be. It is standard to share your routing number, account number, and your other sensitive details, and that’s why you must ensure that it is a trusted party.

How to Avoid Being a cybercrime Victim

• Before initiating any purchase, especially online, read through agreements and product information or policies and make sure it is clear.
• Don’t be fooled to rush into paying because of incredible prices or offers. If they are rushing you, ask yourself, what are they covering up?
• Access the main website and read all customer reviews, especially the negative ones. If the company takes time to respond or discuss the return of goods, then that might be a genuine company from where to buy.
• Their shipping means another way to identify how authentic they are. If they use international shipping contractors like FedEx, DHL, they could be genuine.
• Avoid being lured to online deals or random offers that ask you to fill in your details.
• Open emails that you know their source, especially if they have attachments. Skip or delete emails; you are unsure of their origin. Hackers send infected emails, and all you have to do is click to open. The virus automatically installs on your device, and they begin their fraud business.

Conclusion

Have you ever been a Cybercrime victim? It is a deep wound that leaves a permanent scar on your finances and yourself. Only you can keep your investments safe by keeping all your personal information to yourself, and when using it, apply extra caution. Any purchase that needs these details is to be scrutinized over and over to make sure it passes the authenticity test.

If you have not been a victim of scammers, then you are safe for now. However, with the internet available to everyone and running the world, you cannot be careful enough. If you have an experience concerning cyber theft, feel free to share it with us. You can also leave your comment or opinion in the comment box below.